Taiwan-BEIJING Political Divide Deepens Amid Concerns Over Xi’s Consolidation of Power

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung has underscored the fundamental differences between China’s authoritarian political system and Taiwan’s democratic institutions, citing the recent fifth plenum of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) 20th Central Committee and Taiwan’s ongoing election debates as examples of contrasting political realities across the Taiwan Strait. According to a report by Taipei Times, Shen made the remarks at a forum organised by the Secure Taiwan Associate Corporation, which examined possible developments in China’s domestic political situation following the fifth plenum and their implications for Taiwan. Shen emphasized that differences in political systems remain the most fundamental issue in cross-strait relations, adding that these differences have little to do with similarities in culture, language, or ethnicity. The fifth plenum, which concluded last week, focused on the theme of “unswerving promotion of the full and rigorous party self-governance.” Shen noted that this initiative reflects Chinese President Xi Jinping’s efforts to strengthen the CCP’s leadership and consolidate his authority ahead of next year’s 21st CCP National Congress. The MAC’s assessment of the plenum revealed four major findings, which Shen outlined. Firstly, the establishment of “Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building” as a political guiding principle further reinforces Xi’s dominant position within the party. Shen pointed to the confirmation of earlier decisions to expel 33 officials, including former senior military leaders Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, citing accusations of disloyalty, duplicity, and failure to implement central policies. This, Shen argued, demonstrates that officials deviating from Xi’s directives risk being purged. Secondly, Shen argued that strict party governance is primarily intended to preserve the CCP’s long-term rule and one-party dictatorship. He noted that political, organisational, and administrative discipline is increasingly directed towards ensuring obedience to the party, while constitutional development and the protection of people’s rights and interests take a back seat. Thirdly, the promotion of the party’s “self-revolution” reflects the rejection of external oversight from the public, media, and civil society. Shen referred to unverified reports of students from more than 10 Chinese universities allegedly signing a petition against indefinite presidential terms. He warned that Xi could respond to academic activities and social movements through additional legal measures and intensified surveillance. Lastly, Shen noted that the removal of dissenting voices and large-scale purges within the party, government, and military have reduced potential obstacles to Xi securing a fourth term at next year’s national congress. He also observed that the number of Central Committee members and alternate members absent from the plenum had reached its highest level since Mao Zedong’s era. In contrast to China’s political developments, Shen highlighted the mayoral debates in Taipei and Kaohsiung, saying such open political discussions would be impossible under the CCP’s system. He urged Taiwanese citizens to recognise these institutional differences and unite in defending freedom, democracy, and national sovereignty. The government, Shen added, would continue monitoring developments within the CCP while countering Chinese election interference, cognitive warfare, transnational repression, and attempts to divide Taiwanese society. The comments come as Taiwan prepares for its upcoming elections, with the island’s democratic institutions and political freedoms being seen as a key point of difference with China. The Taiwanese government has repeatedly warned of the risks of Chinese interference in its elections, and has taken steps to counter such efforts. As the political landscape in the region continues to evolve, the differences between Taiwan’s democratic system and China’s authoritarian regime are likely to remain a key point of contention. In recent years, China has increased its efforts to exert pressure on Taiwan, including through diplomatic and economic means. The Chinese government has also been accused of attempting to influence Taiwanese public opinion and undermine the island’s democratic institutions. Despite these efforts, Taiwan has continued to maintain its independence and democratic way of life, with the island’s citizens remaining committed to their freedom and sovereignty. As the situation in the region continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Taiwanese government will respond to the growing consolidation of power in China. However, one thing is clear: the differences between Taiwan’s democratic system and China’s authoritarian regime will continue to be a key point of contention, with significant implications for the future of the region. The international community has also been watching the situation in the region with interest, with many countries expressing support for Taiwan’s democratic institutions and sovereignty. The United States, in particular, has been a key ally of Taiwan, with the two countries maintaining a strong diplomatic and economic relationship. As the situation in the region continues to evolve, it is likely that the international community will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Taiwan and its relations with China. In conclusion, the comments made by Shen Yu-chung highlight the significant differences between Taiwan’s democratic system and China’s authoritarian regime. As the situation in the region continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Taiwanese government will respond to the growing consolidation of power in China. However, one thing is clear: the differences between Taiwan’s democratic system and China’s authoritarian regime will continue to be a key point of contention, with significant implications for the future of the region.