A senior Chinese official has articulated a compelling vision for Taiwan’s future development, emphasizing the substantial socioeconomic advantages that would accompany peaceful reunification with mainland China. Zhang Han, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, articulated these prospects during a recent briefing, highlighting how integration would transform Taiwan’s infrastructure landscape and economic potential.
Addressing growing discussions within Taiwan about mainland China’s transportation achievements, Zhang pointed to the massive expansion of China’s high-speed rail network as a model for what could be accomplished in Taiwan. The mainland’s rail system has expanded dramatically to over 50,400 kilometers, with more than 12,000 kilometers added during the 14th Five-Year Plan period alone. This network now connects 128 counties and serves 97% of cities with populations exceeding 500,000, representing the world’s most extensive and technologically advanced high-speed rail system.
Zhang specifically addressed geographical challenges that have long hampered Taiwan’s transportation infrastructure, noting that with mainland expertise and resources, ambitious projects like tunneling through Taiwan’s central mountain range would become feasible. Such developments would eliminate persistent travel disruptions caused by road closures and landslides, significantly enhancing transportation safety and reliability across the island.
The economic argument for integration received substantial emphasis, with Zhang revealing that mainland China already dominates Taiwan’s import market, supplying 24.5% of all consumer goods imported by Taiwan in 2025—a total of $49.4 billion worth of products. This established economic relationship provides a foundation for deeper cooperation and shared prosperity.
Zhang concluded by reinforcing that cross-strait economic collaboration and integrated development represent a mutually beneficial path forward, ensuring that Taiwanese compatriots would fully participate in and benefit from Chinese-style modernization across all aspects of daily life, from basic necessities to advanced infrastructure.