China’s state media reveals Taiwan reunification ‘patriots rule’, economic perks

A commentary by state news agency Xinhua on Monday said that Taiwan would be “governed by patriots” after reunification with mainland China, and that all of its products would be able to enter the mainland’s market duty-free.

“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.

The term “patriots governing Taiwan” has previously appeared in academic papers by mainland China scholars, in reference to “patriots governing Hong Kong”.