Taiwanese increasingly reluctant to give their lives to defend island, opinion poll finds
Analysts said the findings suggest growing ‘fatigue from constant talk of war’ in the face of escalating tensions with mainland China
In a recent survey by My Formosa, respondents were asked if people should be prepared to pay any price – including death – to protect Taiwan’s status and prevent reunification with the Chinese mainland.
The poll found that 52.2 per cent of those questioned were unwilling to do so – an 8.4-point rise compared with a similar survey carried out two years ago – while 40.8 per cent were willing, down four points on the previous survey.
China’s state media reveals ‘patriots rule’ for Taiwan reunification, economic incentives
Xinhua article floats tariff-free status for all island products and protections for private property, religious beliefs and legal rights
“We not only seek reunification in formality, what’s more important is the mental bonding of compatriots on the two sides of the strait,” the commentary said, using the pseudonym of Zhong Tai Wen, a new byline that suggested it was important Taiwan-related commentary.
The article was the second piece on Taiwan published by Xinhua under the same name.
After peaceful reunification, Taiwan’s current social system and way of life would be fully respected, it said.
“[We will] implement ‘patriots governing Taiwan’, and a high degree of autonomy,” it said, adding that private property, religious beliefs and legal rights in Taiwan would all be protected.
