Why are Taiwanese businessmen in China crucial for Beijing?

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Taiwanese businessmen in China are crucial for Beijing's strategy to influence Taiwan's political landscape and advance its ultimate goal of unification.

Beijing leverages Taiwanese businessmen operating in mainland China as a key component of its influence operations, aiming to thwart Taiwan's independence movement and foster eventual absorption. This strategy involves mobilizing these businessmen to support political candidates in Taiwan who favor closer ties with the mainland, often through incentives such as discounted airfares for returning to vote. Furthermore, these businessmen are seen by bodies like the United Front Work Department as valuable conduits for disseminating Beijing's influence and are offered positions within Chinese political advisory bodies, such as the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which provides them with access to officials and a degree of protection.
Mobilization for Electoral Influence

The United Front Work Department and the Taiwan Affairs Office actively encourage Taiwanese businessmen on the mainland to participate in Taiwan's elections. This mobilization is strategically timed, with discounted airfares often provided by airlines to facilitate their return for key electoral events. Historically, this tactic has been instrumental in supporting parties favouring closer cross-strait relations, such as the Kuomintang (KMT), by mobilizing a significant bloc of voters. For instance, an estimated quarter of a million Taiwanese residents on the mainland returned to vote in the 2012 presidential election, with a high percentage reportedly voting for the KMT.
Enticement and Protection through Political Appointments

Beijing utilizes provincial and municipal membership in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) as a significant enticement for Taiwanese businessmen. Holding such a position offers them privileged access to government officials and a form of protection within China's legal system, which is particularly valuable for their business interests. This access and protection are presented as benefits that can safeguard their enterprises on the mainland.
Economic Intertwining and Lobbying Power

Taiwanese businessmen have actively lobbied for enhanced trade ties with China, contributing to the significant economic interdependence between the two sides. Their collective efforts have paved the way for numerous trade deals, including the establishment of direct flights and shipping links. This economic intertwining means that roughly 40 percent of Taiwan's exports are directed towards China, with key sectors like technology heavily reliant on mainland manufacturing facilities, such as those operated by Foxconn Technology Group.
A "Public Relations Tool" and Soft Power Strategy

The United Front considers the community of Taiwanese businessmen on the mainland as "China's best public relations tool." This perspective highlights a broader strategy of utilizing soft power rather than overt force to achieve Beijing's objectives. By fostering relationships and offering benefits to these businessmen, China aims to create a more favourable environment and public opinion towards unification, framing it as a shared "Chinese dream."

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Why are Taiwanese businessmen in China crucial for Beijing?

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