China Unveils Plan to Deepen Integration with Taiwan’s Fujian Province
China has announced a plan to further integrate its coastal province of Fujian with Taiwan, highlighting the benefits of cross-strait cooperation while flexing its military muscle. The directive, issued jointly by the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee and the State Council, aims to make Fujian a “demonstration zone” for integrated development with Taiwan and a preferred destination for Taiwanese residents and businesses looking to settle in China.
Chinese experts cited in state media have hailed the document as a blueprint for Taiwan’s future development. However, this announcement comes at a sensitive time in cross-strait relations as Taiwan prepares for its presidential election in January. Moreover, China has been increasing military pressure on Taiwan, with a Chinese aircraft carrier and around two dozen warships recently spotted near the island.
China has traditionally employed both incentives and threats in its approach to Taiwan, offering business and cultural exchanges while simultaneously warning of military invasion. The extent to which Taiwan will be receptive to China’s new proposal remains uncertain due to the strained cross-strait ties in recent years.
In response to the integration plan, Wang Ting-yu, a Taiwanese lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, criticized it as “ridiculous.” He urged China to focus on addressing its own bad debts rather than engaging in united front work against Taiwan.
Chinese officials, however, have praised the plan, emphasizing its importance in China’s overall strategy on Taiwan. The directive aims to improve the business environment for Taiwanese firms in Fujian, deepen industrial and capital cooperation, and encourage Taiwanese companies to list on Chinese stock exchanges. It also seeks to attract Taiwanese workers and families to settle in Fujian, offering enhanced social welfare programs and equal treatment for Taiwanese students.
Fujian, with its geographical and cultural proximity to Taiwan, has long been seen by China as a potential hub for economic and social integration, leading to eventual unification with the island. The directive also places a particular focus on Taiwan’s outlying islands of Kinmen and Matsu, which have historically had strong ties with Fujian. Beijing pledges to speed up integration between the city of Xiamen and Kinmen and explore infrastructure cooperation projects, including a bridge connecting the two cities.
While some residents of Kinmen may find the plans appealing, as they could lead to increased economic ties, others may be skeptical due to historical tensions between China and Taiwan. Kinmen previously faced numerous amphibious assaults and shelling by the Chinese military. A local councilors’ proposal seeks to turn Kinmen into a demilitarized zone and a setting for talks between Beijing and Taipei aimed at de-escalating tensions.
As China pushes for closer integration with Taiwan’s Fujian province, it remains to be seen how receptive Taiwan will be to these efforts given the strained relations and upcoming elections.