China has an ulterior motive in easing restrictions on Taiwan

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China will resume direct flights from Taiwan, loosen tourist curbs and allow some television shows made on the island. This is a familiar playbook and should not be mistaken for rapprochement. Beijing made the announcements after a visit by Cheng Li-wun, the head of Taiwan’s largest opposition party, so it can be read as a way to stir the pot and try to make Taiwanese citizens think twice before supporting their independent-leaning government. Xi Jinping made clear to Li-wun that his position is unchanged. He will not countenance independence for Taiwan and sees unification with the mainland as a “historical inevitability”.