China Alters Phrasing of Taiwan Stance

China Alters Phrasing of Taiwan Stance
Image copyright: Lintao Zhang/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-China narrative

Of course the Western media is translating the dropping of the word "peaceful" as some sort of threat to Taiwan. But China is still committed to a peaceful reunification and this change in phrasing reflects the urgency with which China views the matter, not a change in policy.

Anti-China narrative

There's nothing innocuous about a rapidly militarizing China changing the tone of its official voice when it comes to Taiwan. Today's context, including Beijing's recent saber-rattling, makes this far more ominous than Beijing would have one believe. This change of language is deeply concerning.

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