How do you woo a renegade province? If you're Yu Zhengsheng, a high-ranking Politburo member often described China's top political advisor, you do so by assuring the renegades that you really, truly do understand why they might resist your embrace. Consider what Yu had to say at a recent forum to promote exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan, the independent-minded island that the Chinese government badly wants to call its own:
"We understand the mentality Taiwan compatriots have developed under special historical conditions; we respect their identification with the current social system, values and lifestyle; and we know that some friends still harbor misgivings on the development of the cross-Strait relations."
The statement certainly sounds reasonable (though some may reasonably pause over the temporary-sounding phrase "current social system"), which suggests China has finally learned the virtue of a soft touch after years of failed threats. But Taiwan isn't likely to heed Yu's honeyed words.