The Chinese public maintains relatively warm sentiments toward Taiwan and strongly prefers non-military paths to improving cross-strait relations, a recent survey conducted by the Atlanta, Georgia-based Carter Center and Emory University showed.
The “China Pulse” research project, which polled 2,506 adults between Oct. 27 last year and Jan. 1 this year, found that 86 percent of respondents support strengthening cultural ties, while 81 percent favor deepening economic interaction.
The report, co-authored by political scientists at Emory University and advisors at the Carter Center, indicates that the Chinese public views Taiwan’s importance through a lens of shared history and culture rather than geopolitical or technological competition.
Photo: Reuters
Regarding Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, only 45 percent of Chinese respondents cited high-tech manufacturing as a key part of Taiwan’s value.
Instead, 80 percent believe unification would resolve a “long-standing historical issue” and end the “century of humiliation.”
Despite the focus on peaceful engagement, the survey found no clear mandate for either pacifism or militarism.
The percentage of respondents who believe unification should not be achieved by force “under any circumstances” fell from 51 percent in a pilot poll between July 7 and Aug. 15 last year to 38 percent in the most recent poll.
However, half of the respondents agreed that the use of military force would only make the Taiwan issue worse.
In a hypothetical scenario where Taiwan declares independence, 81 percent of the Chinese public would support limited military operations on offshore islands, such as Kinmen and Matsu.
In contrast, only 32 percent expressed support for a full-scale military attack against Taiwan.
Demographic data suggests that peaceful views are most prevalent among women, lower-income individuals and those with less formal education.
For instance, 54 percent of the lowest-earning respondents supported a peaceful-only approach, compared to roughly one-quarter of high earners.
Ultimately, the findings suggest that while the Chinese public remains committed to unification in principle, there is significant reticence regarding the risks of a major conflict.
Most prefer a negotiated peace and policies that encourage Taiwanese students and businesspeople to study, live and work in China.
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