Taiwan issue: China to resist external interference

China will resist external interference in matters concerning relations across the Taiwan Strait, according to the draft socio-economic development plan for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), presented on the first day of the 4th session of the 14th National People’s Congress of China.

The document states: “Resolutely oppose forces advocating ‘Taiwan independence,’ resist external interference, maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, firmly control and actively promote cross-strait relations, improve the well-being of people on both sides, and confidently defend the shared home of the Chinese nation.”

The draft plan emphasises the importance of promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and advancing the “great cause of reunification.” Mainland China, the document notes, will “continue to formulate and implement policies and measures beneficial to Taiwanese people and businesses, encourage Taiwanese individuals and companies to actively integrate into the country’s new development model, and contribute to its construction.”

The plan also highlights the importance of strengthening industrial cooperation across the Taiwan Strait and establishing a shared market for both sides.

Beijing intends to support the creation of a multi-layered financial market across the strait and encourage Taiwanese enterprises that meet the criteria to enter mainland Chinese stock exchanges.

Taiwan has been governed by its own administration since 1949, when the remnants of the Kuomintang, led by Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975), fled to the island after being defeated in China’s civil war. Since then, Taipei has maintained the flag and certain other symbols of the former Republic of China, which existed on the mainland before the communists came to power. According to Beijing’s official position, supported by the majority of countries, including Russia, Taiwan is a region of China.