Beijing Keeps Option of Force on the Table for Taiwan, Says State Official
A government official has cautioned that China may consider the use of force regarding Taiwan's potential declaration of independence. Read Full Article at RT.com
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The warning follows China's large-scale military drills surrounding Taiwan.
Beijing has indicated that it will not dismiss the option of using force against Taiwan if it "dares to take risks" by declaring independence. This stance, however, is aimed at addressing outside interference and a small group of "separatists," as stated by China's Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday.
This comment was made shortly after China concluded significant military exercises near the island, coinciding with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's speech last week, where he reaffirmed the government's intent to pursue independence from Beijing.
While China maintains that its ultimate goal is peaceful reunification, its officials have consistently warned that they would resort to force if Taiwan tries to proclaim independence.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, stated at a regular press briefing, "We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity." He emphasized, "But we will never commit ourselves to renouncing the use of force."
Chen clarified that any military actions would specifically target the interference of "external forces," referring to the US—Taiwan's principal ally and arms provider—and the small group of separatists, rather than the majority of the island's population.
He further asserted that regardless of Taiwan’s military capabilities or the weapons it acquires, and regardless of any external interventions, if Taiwan “dares to take risks,” it would “lead to its own destruction.”
Chen criticized Lai's comments regarding “outright” independence as “separatist claims,” warning that Beijing’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity “will not cease for a moment.”
Earlier this week, China conducted joint exercises involving its army, navy, air force, and rocket forces near Taiwan, which the Chinese military claimed were intended as a “stern deterrence to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces.”
In response, Taipei convened a national security meeting, urging Beijing to “respect the Taiwanese people’s choice of a democratic and free way of life.”
Beijing has reiterated its view that the self-governing island of Taiwan is an integral part of China under the One-China principle, asserting there is only one national state for the Chinese people. This policy underpins its sovereignty claims over Taiwan, which was the last bastion of nationalist forces following the 1940s Chinese Civil War and has remained a vital US ally in the region.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
Beijing has indicated that it will not dismiss the option of using force against Taiwan if it "dares to take risks" by declaring independence. This stance, however, is aimed at addressing outside interference and a small group of "separatists," as stated by China's Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday.
This comment was made shortly after China concluded significant military exercises near the island, coinciding with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's speech last week, where he reaffirmed the government's intent to pursue independence from Beijing.
While China maintains that its ultimate goal is peaceful reunification, its officials have consistently warned that they would resort to force if Taiwan tries to proclaim independence.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, stated at a regular press briefing, "We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity." He emphasized, "But we will never commit ourselves to renouncing the use of force."
Chen clarified that any military actions would specifically target the interference of "external forces," referring to the US—Taiwan's principal ally and arms provider—and the small group of separatists, rather than the majority of the island's population.
He further asserted that regardless of Taiwan’s military capabilities or the weapons it acquires, and regardless of any external interventions, if Taiwan “dares to take risks,” it would “lead to its own destruction.”
Chen criticized Lai's comments regarding “outright” independence as “separatist claims,” warning that Beijing’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity “will not cease for a moment.”
Earlier this week, China conducted joint exercises involving its army, navy, air force, and rocket forces near Taiwan, which the Chinese military claimed were intended as a “stern deterrence to the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces.”
In response, Taipei convened a national security meeting, urging Beijing to “respect the Taiwanese people’s choice of a democratic and free way of life.”
Beijing has reiterated its view that the self-governing island of Taiwan is an integral part of China under the One-China principle, asserting there is only one national state for the Chinese people. This policy underpins its sovereignty claims over Taiwan, which was the last bastion of nationalist forces following the 1940s Chinese Civil War and has remained a vital US ally in the region.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
