While the unification of Taiwan remains a core interest for China’s leadership, it does not carry the same level of urgency for most Chinese citizens. Many are preoccupied with pressing domestic issues, such as China’s aging population, slowing economy, and high youth unemployment. Concerns over the housing market’s stability, environmental degradation, corruption, and the quality of public services also dominate public attention.
Most Chinese citizens view Taiwan as an inseparable part of China, a perspective shaped in part by decades of state-led education and media narratives. However, opinions vary regarding the use of military force to achieve unification:
Unification with Taiwan Should Not be by Force Under Any Circumstances
source: published in Sovereignty, Security, & US-China Relations: Chinese Public Opinion
Launching a unification war to take back Taiwan entirely
[source: This study was published in the Journal of Contemporary China on May 14, 2023]
Do you agree that Taiwan should not be unified by force under any circumstances?
[source: Survey was conducted by Adam Y. Liu and Xiaojun Li and published in their 2023 report in the Journal of Contemporary China]
Conclusion
While support for unification remains broadly high, the preferred approach, whether through peaceful means or military action, is increasingly debated, especially as the consequences of war have become more visible.
