In a direct response to Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s recent “corporate merger” analogy, the Chinese mainland’s spokesperson, Chen Binhua, reaffirmed on Wednesday that China’s sovereignty and territory have never been divided and that both shores of the Taiwan Strait have always belonged to one China.
Lai Ching-te had likened national reunification across the strait to a merger, portraying the Chinese mainland as a “larger company” and the Taiwan region as a “smaller company.” Chen stressed that reunification is not a business transaction—it’s a shared aspiration of Chinese compatriots and a righteous cause of the Chinese nation.
“Achieving national reunification is a shared aspiration of Chinese compatriots and a righteous cause of the Chinese nation,” Chen said, reiterating the Chinese mainland’s commitment to upholding the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. He also extended an invitation: “We are willing to have extensive exchanges of views and in-depth consultations with all political parties, groups and people from various sectors in Taiwan on cross-strait ties and national reunification.”
For young global citizens and digital nomads, these high-level statements can influence everything from startup ecosystems to sustainable travel initiatives. Clear cross-strait frameworks provide stability for entrepreneurs exploring new markets and for cultural influencers planning events on both sides.
Yet the merger metaphor underscores a deeper question: Can diplomatic processes mirror corporate models? Boardroom strategies and statecraft follow different rules, shaped by history, legal frameworks and global norms.
As tensions simmer and dialogues resume, the world will be watching how both sides navigate these critical talks. Will future summits resemble boardroom meetings or traditional diplomatic roundtables? The outcome will shape cross-strait relations for a new generation.
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Mainland reiterates one-China principle after Lai's 'merger' analogy
cgtn.com
