China’s reconciliation policy is up for a test as it once again lures Taiwan through high-level talks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwan’s ruling Nationalist Party Chairman Eric Chu met for a tête-à-tête in Beijing, and underscored the need for congenial relations. This is no less than a breakthrough, as for the first time in six years they took to the table for a dialogue between the Mainland and the independent entity of Taiwan, which Beijing ultimately wants under its sovereignty.

Though not much has been made public as to what were the salient features that were discussed, it goes without saying that China’s policy to harness cordial relations with Taiwan enjoys wide ranging support on both sides of the divide. But as far as Taipei is concerned, it is quite an uphill task as nationalists oppose amalgamation with Beijing, and that was evident in the form of protests recently on the breakaway province. Taiwanese are quite conscious of history, especially the civil war with the communists, which led them to flee from the Mainland. Moreover, they think that socio-economic cooperation will encroach upon their unique status in the region and make them dependent on Beijing. Thus, it is articulation and statesmanship that is needed if the bitter aspect of history has to be overcome, before irritants between the two countries are addressed in a holistic manner. The bone of contention is Beijing’s ‘One China’ policy, which Taipei resents.

Chu, who has improved ties with China during his tenure, is also under pressure from the communist state to stand for another term. That will somehow help thwart the pro-independence opposition party who oppose any kind of rapprochement with China. In other words, Xi’s hosting of the Kuomintang (KMT) leader is more of a political gesture than state-centric in essence. Whatever may be the case, Beijing’s problem is that it wants to cultivate a soft constituency in Taiwan and Hong Kong, with the single-point agenda of keeping their respective governments away from aligning with China’s foes.