Discoursing Unity: Language, Power, and Reunification in Chinese and Taiwanese Political Speeches

Dodi Hartono; Ali   Maksum; Feng Yu   Zhu

doi:10.31849/axqhky90

Authors

Dodi Hartono Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta,Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9092-6926
Ali Maksum Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Feng Yu Zhu Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/axqhky90

Keywords:

Critical discourse analysis, Political discourse, Reunification discourse, Ideology and power, Political speeches , National identity

Abstract

Language does not merely reflect political reality, it actively constructs, legitimizes, and contests it, especially in contexts marked by ideological rivalry and contested sovereignty. Situated within this premise, this study examines how reunification is discursively framed in Chinese and Taiwanese political speeches through the intersecting lenses of language, power, and ideology. Although cross strait relations have been widely discussed in political and international studies, limited attention has been given to how reunification is linguistically constructed through competing rhetorical strategies in official speeches. Addressing this gap, the study investigates selected speeches by Xi Jinping and Tsai Ing wen to reveal how each leader mobilizes discourse to shape public meaning, national identity, and political legitimacy. Methodologically, this research employs a qualitative descriptive design using Critical Discourse Analysis grounded in Van Dijk’s framework, with NVivo 14 supporting textual coding, word frequency analysis, and thematic pattern identification. The findings show a clear ideological divergence between the two political discourses. Xi Jinping frames reunification as a historical necessity tied to national rejuvenation, collective destiny, and culturally embedded values associated with Confucian harmony and unity. In contrast, Tsai Ing wen constructs Taiwan through the discourse of democracy, sovereignty, inclusion, and self-determination, positioning reunification as a potential threat to democratic life. These contrasting linguistic patterns demonstrate that political speeches function as strategic sites where power is normalized, resisted, and symbolically negotiated. This study offers an original contribution by integrating discourse analysis with cross strait political rhetoric and provides broader implications for understanding how language shapes geopolitical tensions, identity formation, and regional stability in East Asia.

Author Biographies

Dodi Hartono, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta,Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Dodi Hartono is a graduate student in International Relations at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, with a strong academic focus on political philosophy and global governance. His research centers on democratic theory, classical Confucian thought, and East Asian foreign policy, examining how traditional philosophical perspectives can inform contemporary political discourse. His current work explores the relevance of classical Confucianism in shaping and justifying modern democratic principles, bridging historical ideas with present-day governance challenges. Actively engaged in academic discussions through presentations and collaborations, he advocates for integrating cultural values into modern political systems. His scholarly work reflects a commitment to developing a nuanced and globally relevant understanding of democracy that remains sensitive to regional identities.
Ali Maksum , Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Ali Maksum is a senior lecturer in the Department of International Relations at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Universitas Hang Tuah Surabaya, followed by a master’s degree in International Relations from Universiti Malaysia Sabah in 2016, and later completed his doctoral degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia. His research interests focus on International Relations in Southeast Asia, particularly in migration, foreign policy, and comparative politics, while also extending to South Asia and the Islamic world
Feng Yu Zhu , Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China.

Feng Yuzhu is a professor and master’s supervisor at Hebei Normal University, China, born in 1966 in Jingxing, Hebei. He is also a senior Chinese cooking technician and currently serves at the School of Home Economics, while holding leadership roles as Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Hebei Home Economics Association. He previously served as Vice Dean of the School of Tourism and Head of the Department of Culinary Arts and Food Science. His academic career began at Shijiazhuang Tourism School (1986–1994), and he joined Hebei Normal University in 1994. With extensive teaching experience, he has delivered more than ten courses and developed key university-level and online courses, including Cooking Technology, Culinary Raw Materials Science, and Food Culture. Actively engaged in academic and professional communities, he has led over 30 research projects, published more than 100 scholarly papers, authored eight books, and edited twelve textbooks. His contributions have been recognized through numerous teaching and culinary awards, alongside his supervision of various student innovation projects.

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