Assessing the relevance of confederalism to cross-strait integration and China’s reunification

摘要

This article explores the relevance of confederalism for cross-Strait integration and the reunification of China. It explains the distinctions between the related concepts of federation, confederation, federalism and confederalism, and analyzes the use of confederal principles in resolving conflicts and maintaining or promoting state integration. It further lists the arguments for and against confederations and the practice of confederalism in the context of cross-Strait relations. The article argues that although a confederation cannot be regarded as a mutually acceptable model for China's eventual reunification, the application of some of the ideas, principles and values embodied in confederalism may be useful for cross-Strait integration and to peaceful reunification.