Sinopinion A Journey of Peace Through the Dire Strait
May 1, 2026
Wang Zichen, director of international communications and founder of Pekingnology, offers commentary on China–Taiwan messaging. Shao Yuqun, director at SIIS’s Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau institute, provides regional security perspective. They unpack the recent mainland visit as a 'journey of peace'. They discuss symbolism, the 1992 Consensus, status quo debates, US influence, and generational memories across the strait.
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Zheng Liwen's Zhongshanling Speech Confronted Shared Wounds
- Zheng Liwen used a speech at Sun Yat-sen's mausoleum to recount shared history including Japanese colonialism and 1947's February 28 incident.
- Wang Zichen noted she did not avoid KMT's painful chapters and framed reconciliation as necessary for cross-strait peace.
High Transparency Turned Visit Into Public Dialogue
- The meeting between Zheng Liwen and Xi Jinping was unusually transparent, with video footage, a public press conference, and continual updates on the KMT website.
- Wang Zichen highlighted that openness allowed Taiwanese media and public deeper insight into cross-strait exchanges.
Western Analogy Habit Masks Taiwan's Unique History
- Western analysts often analogize Taiwan to Ukraine or other conflicts due to limited historical knowledge and projection of fears.
- Shao Yuqun argued this reflects a Western tendency to see China through a mirror of their own narratives rather than Chinese history.