Former DPP Deputy Defence Minister Says Cross-Strait Peaceful Reunification Definitely Possible

Former DPP Deputy Defence Minister Says Cross-Strait Peaceful Reunification Definitely Possible

Source: China Times

January 18, 2017

          The CCP party organ Global Times yesterday carried an interview with Lin Chong-ping, former Deputy Defence Minister under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration, in which he stated that he “believes that peaceful cross-Strait reunification is definitely possible, but the time is not yet ripe.”

          Lin said that he “is optimistic about peaceful reunification for two reasons.” Firstly, the masses are more dissatisfied than satisfied with President Tsai. Secondly, due to restrictions with regard to international relations and the political instability in America, the US is incapable of safeguarding Taiwan’s interests. He added that Taiwan on the whole “is undergoing a change in perception on the matter of reunification; with the DPP government in office, swing voters and even a portion of DPP supporters are gradually disappointed with the government. The notion that reunification with the Mainland might be a better situation pops up now and again in Taiwan, just not openly so.”

          Under what circumstances would the Mainland take military action against Taiwan? Lin opined that “If there is internal stability on the Mainland, military action would not be taken, although there is always a possibility of the Mainland flexing its military muscles with the caveat that no actual action is undertaken.” There is little possibility of the Mainland taking military action against Taiwan, Lin stated, adding “Although some may say the current situation is akin to the calm before the storm, this is just pure conjecture.”

          Lin went on to say that “The rise of China is an unstoppable trend. The next 100 years will be a Chinese century. What then is the difference between the Mainland using or not using military force against Taiwan? The former would mean that China’s era would last for a century – the latter would result in a China flourishing as a great power for two, even three, centuries!”

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