Core Viewpoint - The article critiques the arguments presented by Yu Maocun regarding Taiwan's unification with mainland China, asserting that his claims are misleading and lack historical accuracy [1]. Group 1: Historical Claims - Yu argues that the People's Republic of China (PRC) has never governed Taiwan, thus claiming that the notion of unification is a lie. The article counters this by stating that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, and the PRC inherited sovereignty over Taiwan after its establishment [2]. - Yu suggests that Taiwan's modern sovereignty emerged from its democratization in the late 1980s, independent of historical ties to China. The article refutes this by emphasizing the shared cultural and historical roots of both regions, attributing the current division to external interference and the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War [3]. Group 2: Legal and Ideological Arguments - Yu claims that historical rights cannot justify modern territorial claims, citing an arbitration ruling on the South China Sea. The article argues that this ruling lacks legal standing and that the sovereignty claims over the South China Sea are a shared concern of both mainland China and Taiwan [4]. - Yu posits that the motivation behind the mainland's pursuit of unification is rooted in revolutionary ideology rather than national rejuvenation. The article counters that the PRC has consistently advocated for peaceful unification since 1979, reflecting a commitment to national integrity rather than revenge [4]. Group 3: International Relations and Perceptions - Yu asserts that the U.S. has never recognized Taiwan as part of China, using this to argue for Taiwan's independence. The article highlights the inconsistency in U.S. policy and its interference in China's internal affairs regarding Taiwan [5]. - Yu claims that the Taiwan issue serves as a distraction for the mainland from its domestic issues. The article dismisses this notion as absurd and critiques Yu's references to various accusations against China as unfounded [6]. Group 4: Social and Political Dynamics - Yu argues that the mainland views Taiwan as a threat due to differing social systems, suggesting that unification aims to suppress the hopes of freedom among the Chinese populace. The article counters this by pointing out the stability and prosperity of mainland China, which has pursued a policy of "one country, two systems" since 1979 [6]. - Yu claims that the mainland has established a network to discredit Taiwan internationally. The article suggests that this reflects Yu's arrogance and a misunderstanding of the broader context of U.S.-China relations [7]. Group 5: Conclusion and Author's Background - The article concludes that Yu's arguments are fundamentally flawed and reflect a lack of understanding of the Taiwan issue. It notes that Yu's position as a "China expert" is undermined by his apparent hostility towards the mainland [8].