Mainland China’s efforts to lure Taiwanese fade with deepening distrust and a slowing economy
- Nearly five years ago Beijing introduced 31 measures that gave Taiwanese freer access to opportunities and benefits in the mainland
- The soft-power gambit for reunification is losing its lustre, however, due to the mainland’s slowing economy and heightened political tensions
Tan Mei-chen left subtropical Taiwan for the frigid northeast of mainland China three months ago.
The 18 year old, who is studying at Jilin University, admits the experience has given her a jolt, but the plan was to step out of her comfort zone in the first place. She is also there to take advantage of a host of benefits, from cheaper tuition fees to post-graduation job opportunities.
“Previously, I might need all top grades to achieve the [admission] standard, but after these measures, I can apply to universities on the mainland as long as I have an average score in one subject,” said Tan.
Overall, the differences between the two sides are getting more and more severe
Tan fits the profile of a young Taiwanese who officials in Beijing hope to win over as part of their soft-power gambit to reunify the self-governing island with the mainland.
