Economy

Will Duty-Free Trade and “Patriots Governing Taiwan” Secure Reunification? China’s New Plan for Taiwan Unveiled

China proposes “patriots” to govern Taiwan, offering duty-free access and social protections post-reunification.

byAndres Castro

October 27, 2025, 11:30 AM

A large yellow sign marks the crowded entrance to the Nanjichang Night Market in Taipei.

The entrance to Nanjichang Night Market in Taipei on May 1, 2025. By topimages / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

China’s state news agency Xinhua published a commentary outlining a “patriots governing Taiwan” framework for the island’s future after reunification, emphasizing a high degree of autonomy under this principle.

The commentary promised significant economic incentives, including duty-free access for all Taiwanese products into the mainland market post-reunification.

Xinhua also assured protections for Taiwan’s social system, private property, religious beliefs, and legal rights, aiming to maintain continuity in daily affairs.

The Story So Far

China maintains a long-standing claim over Taiwan, viewing the self-governed island as an integral part of its territory, which is the fundamental driver behind its reunification proposals. These proposals often draw on precedents like the “patriots governing Hong Kong” principle, suggesting a model of high autonomy under central political control. Beijing’s detailed offers of significant economic incentives and social assurances are part of a multifaceted strategy to encourage a “mental bonding of compatriots” and facilitate reunification, potentially peacefully, by addressing potential concerns and offering benefits.

Why This Matters

China’s detailed reunification framework, emphasizing “patriots governing Taiwan” alongside substantial economic incentives like duty-free access and social assurances, signals Beijing’s multifaceted strategy to achieve its long-standing claim, aiming to sway public and business opinion while simultaneously asserting political control reminiscent of the Hong Kong model.

Who Thinks What?

China, through its state news agency Xinhua, proposes that following reunification, Taiwan would be governed by “patriots” and granted a high degree of autonomy, mirroring the “patriots governing Hong Kong” principle.

Xinhua also outlines significant economic incentives, promising duty-free access for all Taiwanese products into the mainland market post-reunification.

Additionally, China assures that Taiwan’s current social system, way of life, private property, religious beliefs, and legal rights would be fully respected and protected after reunification.

China’s state news agency Xinhua published a commentary on Monday, October 27, 2025, outlining a framework for Taiwan’s future after reunification with the mainland, emphasizing “patriots governing Taiwan” and significant economic incentives. The article, appearing under the pseudonym Zhong Tai Wen, promised duty-free access for all Taiwanese products into the mainland market, alongside protections for the island’s social system, private property, religious beliefs, and legal rights.

“Patriots Governing Taiwan” Framework

The commentary asserted that following a peaceful reunification, Taiwan would be governed by patriots and granted a high degree of autonomy. This concept of “patriots governing Taiwan” mirrors the “patriots governing Hong Kong” principle, which has been previously discussed in academic circles in mainland China.

Xinhua’s piece, the second on Taiwan under the Zhong Tai Wen byline, also stressed the importance of a “mental bonding of compatriots” across the Taiwan Strait, indicating a desire for more than just a formal reunification.

Economic and Social Assurances

Beyond the political framework, the state media outlet detailed several assurances for Taiwan’s population. It pledged full respect for Taiwan’s current social system and way of life, ensuring continuity in daily affairs.

Economically, the most prominent incentive offered was tariff-free status for all Taiwanese products entering the mainland market. Socially, the commentary explicitly stated that private property, religious beliefs, and legal rights in Taiwan would be protected post-reunification.

Key Takeaways

These pronouncements from Xinhua, a key voice of the Chinese government, offer a detailed glimpse into Beijing’s proposed governance model and incentives for Taiwan in the event of reunification. The emphasis on both political control through “patriots” and substantial economic and social guarantees underscores China’s multifaceted approach to its long-standing claim over the self-governed island.