Beijing Softens Its Taiwan Message, But Analysts See Weakness Behind the Warmth

People gather at a lookout point as the landmark Taipei 101 building is seen in the background in Taipei on Jan. 14, 2026. I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty ImagesFor three years, the Chinese official in charge of Taiwan policy used his speech at Beijing’s largest cross-strait gathering to drive home one theme: a stern, repeated warning against Taiwanese independence.This year, he barely mentioned it.