Cheng Deng Feng
China’s shifting interpretation of “Taiwan independence” is reshaping red lines and threatening peace and security in the Taiwan Strait. Alongside increasingly aggressive military operations, Beijing is advancing a narrative that frames any expression of political autonomy by Taiwan as a move toward independence. Those who decline to endorse Taiwan’s subordination to China, or simply affirm Taiwan’s democratic system irrespective of formal statehood, are now labeled “pro-independence.” This approach implies that the status quo— Taiwan’s operation as a self-governing democracy under the Republic of China constitution — is itself a form of separatism.
China’s rhetorical evolution on “Taiwan independence” has shifted significantly over the past two decades. In the past, Beijing defined “Taiwan independence” as formal legal moves toward statehood, such as constitutional amendments or declarations of independence. Today, however, the PRC increasingly frames a much broader range of activities—including support for Taiwan’s democracy, international participation, and rejection of Communist Party rule—as evidence of “separatism.” This shift has expanded the scope of political persecution against Taiwanese individuals and groups. Individuals residing in or interacting with the mainland are being targeted for political expression that Beijing deems separatist. Behind this shifting of red lines, Beijing has increasing latitude to construct legal and narrative justifications for aggression under the guise of defending sovereignty and territorial integrity against fabricated provocations.
Taiwan’s de facto Independence
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