#1 - They are making a shrewd political move associated with the coming Olympics, wanting to get this statement out in the open and public at a time when there is less chance of the PRC reacting militarily.
#2 - They are careful not to make any actual change, other than verbally referring to future, potential changes.
#3 - As far as I am concerned, it states the obvious. The island is a seperate and distinct entity from the mainland, politically, militarily, socially, and economically.
It will be interesting to watch the response by the communists (CCP).
Remarkably mild, so far:
"Wen said China stood ready work with Taiwanese for unification and stressed that Beijing wanted to accomplish that peacefully.
"We will continue to work with all the Taiwan compatriots to oppose and repulse separatist activities for 'Taiwan independence' and advance the great cause of China's peaceful reunification," Wen said in the speech, delivered with Communist Party leaders seated nearby, and addressed an audience of Chinese political elite and foreign diplomats in Beijing's Great Hall of the People.
Wen's remarks contrast with Beijing's recent alarmist rhetoric against Taiwan."