preface
The founder of Gou's Hon Hai Group, recently released shocking news, announcing that he will run for Taiwan's leadership election in 2024.
But more importantly, he has publicly stated that he is willing to use his property as a way to ensure that Chinese mainland does not take military action against Taiwan. This has undoubtedly injected new variables into the current cross-strait relations.
Such a statement would not only demonstrate his resolve, but could also lead to further changes in cross-strait relations. For the mainland, how to face such a statement and how to maintain stability and peace in cross-strait relations has become an urgent issue.
Regarding Gou's speech, we need in-depth study and discussion, especially three key points, which may determine the future direction and development of cross-strait relations.
First, we need to understand that Gou's move may be part of his political strategy. In the face of the situation in which PLA military planes and warships surround Taiwan, his remarks are particularly eye-catching.
His words were just like timely rain for the nervous people on the island, like injecting them with a "reassuring agent". This will not only increase people's trust in him, but may also accumulate more political capital for him at this critical time.
They all say "return the peaches with plums". In this way, Gou seems to be seeking a political "win-win" through this proactive pacification strategy. He hopes to give confidence to the public, but also expects the people to reward him in the upcoming elections, so that his poll support will be significantly improved.
In addition, this may also be his strategic response to the existing situation in cross-strait relations. In the political climate inside and outside the island, showing a firm stance could win him the goodwill of a certain group of voters, especially those worried about cross-strait tensions.
Through this move, Gou not only consolidated his political position, but also established an image of a "patriot" for himself to some extent.
Second, we need to look at this from a larger perspective. Gou certainly knows that if the mainland really decides to adopt the "armed unification" measure, then Taiwan's situation will be very difficult.
Even whether Western countries, especially the United States, will intervene is unknown, but for Taiwan, the mainland's military power is already quite strong and can attack from multiple directions.
In fact, some think tanks in Japan have also studied and extrapolated this possibility. They predict that the mainland may adopt a comprehensive military strategy, including attacking Taiwan from three directions: air, undersea and surface.
Under this strategic layout, Taiwan's resistance may face great pressure, and even be unsustainable in a short period of time.
So, from this point of view, Gou may be trying to "buy time" for Taiwan, hoping to avoid potential military conflict through diplomatic or other means.
Third, when we talk about Gou, his influence and economic status are really not covered. Let's talk about his economic strength, worth NT$200 billion, and NT$9.2 billion a year from stocks alone. These numbers are impressive enough, but this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Speaking of his social status, as the founder of Hon Hai Group, the company's size and influence are pivotal worldwide.
Not to mention Foxconn, which is not only a subsidiary of Hon Hai, but also the world's largest electronics manufacturing services company. This means that Gou's industrial chain in the mainland is huge, and the mainland market has undoubtedly brought him huge profits and economic benefits.
So, when he says something like that, we can't simply take it as a declaration or position of a politician. Behind his words reflects the economic considerations and strategic layout of a successful entrepreneur.
He was well aware that stable relations with the mainland were essential to both his own business empire and Taiwan's economic development. This also shows that his in-depth understanding of cross-strait relations and his successful experience in the business field give him a certain bargaining chip in this political competition.
In an interview, Gou was asked a tough question: When Hon Hai has such a huge investment in Chinese mainland, if he is elected, will it not give the mainland a chance to put pressure?
Mr. Guo smiled slightly and responded: "You know, Hon Hai is an international giant, we have millions of shareholders, and I am just one of them.
As a subsidiary of Hon Hai, Foxconn does have business in the mainland, but I personally have no direct industrial investment. If the mainland really wants to do something against Foxconn, it is actually affecting the entire Hon Hai Group and its millions of shareholders. Won't such behavior make global investors doubt China's investment environment? ”
A deeper reading of Gou's words shows that he has subtly shifted his focus. First, he emphasized that he had no direct private property on the mainland, implying that he was neutral in policy decisions.
Second, he endorsed the international status of Hon Hai and Foxconn, suggesting that any adverse action against these two companies could have an international ripple effect, which would be detrimental to the mainland's international image and investment environment. His reply skillfully integrated business and politics, showing that as an experienced business magnate, he has a deep understanding and strategic consideration of cross-strait political and business relations.
In the face of Gou's remarks, we first need to emphasize that the Chinese mainland market has always welcomed the inflow of global capital with an open and rule of law attitude, and treated all enterprises fairly.
The mainland has never imposed unjust sanctions on enterprises for no reason. Guo's comments may have been motivated by electoral politics, but the mainland's response is not directed at just one person or company.
In fact, Chinese mainland has always maintained a clear and resolute attitude toward cross-strait relations. The actions and statements of the PLA's Eastern Theater are a vivid interpretation of this. In 2020, they have clearly put forward the slogan "Abandon illusions, prepare for battle", and the recently released combat training MV "Reading the Strait" further strengthens this position.
The attitude of "waiting for war at all times and being ready to fight at any time" emphasized in the MV is undoubtedly a resolute warning to the increasingly active "Taiwan independence" forces.
The PLA has always maintained a high degree of attention and preparation for the "Taiwan issue." Some experts in the Taiwan region also pointed out that the purpose of the "Reading the Straits" is to clearly convey the mainland's concern about the "Taiwan issue" and at the same time issue a solemn warning to those "Taiwan independence" forces that are trying to undermine cross-strait relations.
We are convinced that the PLA has full confidence and ability to defend China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, whether it is external intervention or the arrogant provocation of "Taiwan independence" forces.
The east wind breaks the shore and talks about the wind and the moon,
The love of the continent reflects the rivers and lakes.
Guo Gong's words are like waves,
What is the meaning of the election?
Hon Hai giant ships moored on both shores,
The sails of wealth, covering the sky.
The heart of sovereignty is always like a rock,
The war zone roared, shook the valley.
Leaping dragons in the strait,
The "Taiwan independence" forces cannot escape and hide.
Heroes of the liberation army, defending the four sides,
Swear to sovereignty, heaven and earth are wide.
The war in the east, the warning of the world,
The sound of rampantness gradually fell silent.
One family on both sides of the strait, separated for a long time,
May we work together to welcome peace.