DPP must abandon separatist agenda for a better future

Recent changes to cross-Strait policies because of the separatist stance of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities on Taiwan island have invited criticism both within the island and among international observers. More voices have urged the DPP authorities to face reality, move away from the outdated "Taiwan independence" platform, and return to the political foundation that can safeguard peace and stability across the Strait.

A recent article published by Foreign Policy also warned that the DPP needs to distance itself from radical "pro-independence" positions and avoid moves that can deepen cross-Strait tensions. The message from the different voices is increasingly clear: Persisting with the "Taiwan independence" platform does not serve the interests of Taiwan residents, nor does it conform to the broader trend of regional peace and international relations.

Only by abandoning separatist positions and stopping provocative activities can the DPP remove obstacles to cross-Strait exchanges and create conditions for Taiwan's long-term growth.

Since taking office, the DPP authorities have promoted the approach of "seeking independence through military means" and relying on external forces, increasing military purchases from the United States and expanding military preparations.

These actions have increased risks, and a region that should have seen peace, stability, communication and cooperation has, instead, been pushed closer to what has been described as "one of the most dangerous places on Earth".

The DPP's pursuit of separatist policies has also affected Taiwan's economic prospects and people's livelihoods. Obstacles to cross-Strait economic cooperation, restrictions on people-to-people exchanges, uncertainties facing investors, challenges to industrial development, rising living pressures and fewer opportunities for young people have become increasingly visible. It is becoming increasingly clear that the "Taiwan independence" platform is not a commitment to values, but a burden that undermines Taiwan's future.

Every political attempt to advance separatism places the interests of ordinary Taiwan residents at greater risk.

As the dangers from "Taiwan independence" become increasingly clear, its social foundation on the island is eroding rapidly.

Several recent polls show that more than half of Taiwan residents are dissatisfied with the Lai Ching-te authorities' cross-Strait policies; more than 60 percent support restoring regular cross-Strait consultations; and nearly 70 percent favor stronger people-to-people, economic, trade and cultural exchanges.

Peace, cross-Strait exchanges and stability have become the mainstream expectations among people on the island, who are also recognizing the need to face the issue of reunification.

A more notable shift is in the attitude of the so-called "Formosa Alliance", a political force on the island that once strongly advocated radical "Taiwan independence" but has now accepted the broader trend toward cross-Strait reunification. Their adjustment reflects the declining appeal of extreme separatist positions.

At the same time, more young people in Taiwan are seeing through the false narrative of "Taiwan independence", rejecting separatist rhetoric and choosing to study, work and start businesses across the Strait.

The direction of public opinion demonstrates a simple reality: confrontation cannot represent the future of Taiwan. The interests of the people should not become tools for political manipulation by a small number of politicians.

Meanwhile, the international environment, particularly the clear signals from the US, has further weakened the DPP's separatist illusions. Shortly after the China-US summit in Beijing in May, US President Donald Trump told Fox News in an interview that "I'm not looking to have somebody go independent", adding that Taiwan should not expect a "blank check" from the US military, directly exposing the DPP's long-promoted fantasy of "seeking independence by relying on the US".

It also shattered the illusion that external forces would stand behind "Taiwan independence".

In fact, US policy on the Taiwan question has always been shaped by its own interests. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait serve Washington's broader Asia-Pacific strategy, while turbulence caused by radical "Taiwan independence" moves would run counter to US interests.

That is why the US has repeatedly sent signals to cool tensions and restrain separatist provocations.

From a global perspective, opposing "Taiwan independence" and recognizing the one-China principle remain the prevailing consensus of the international community.

Today, 183 countries have established diplomatic relations with Beijing on the basis of the one-China principle. Attempts to promote separatism run against this international reality and have no future.

Fundamentally, "Taiwan independence" and peace across the Strait are incompatible.

The separatist agenda represents the greatest threat to Taiwan's stability and development, while the DPP's "Taiwan independence" platform remains a major obstacle to the restoration of normal cross-Strait interaction.

If the DPP authorities and Lai continue to cling to an outdated separatist position and act against public expectations and historical trends, they will only deepen confrontation, increase risks across the Strait and damage the fundamental interests of Taiwan residents.

The path forward requires political courage and a clear understanding of reality. The trend toward national reunification and rejuvenation is irreversible, while people across the Strait increasingly hope for peace, exchanges and cooperation.

The DPP should remove its separatist illusions, listen to people's expectations, abandon the "Taiwan independence" platform, return to the common understanding that both sides of the Strait belong to one China, and take concrete steps to safeguard peace, stability and Taiwan's future.

The author is a researcher at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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