China reaffirms commitment to "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan Warns of Action if Necessary

China has reaffirmed its determination to achieve "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan, while also asserting its intention to take all necessary actions to defend its territorial integrity, the country's foreign ministry stated on March 10.

Despite Taiwan’s democratically elected government firmly rejecting China’s claims, Beijing continues to assert the island as part of its territory, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly emphasized that only the people of Taiwan can determine their future.

During a press conference last week at the opening of China’s annual parliamentary session, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters that Taiwan would "never be a country" and warned that any support for "Taiwan independence" would constitute interference in China’s internal affairs.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, elaborated on Wang’s comments, stressing China’s willingness to strive for peaceful reunification "with the greatest sincerity." However, she also made it clear that China would "take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," and firmly opposed Taiwan’s independence as well as any external interference.

In recent years, Beijing has increased its military pressure on Taiwan, conducting numerous military drills, and suggesting the potential use of force to bring the island under its control.

The United States, which remains Taiwan’s primary arms supplier despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, has not signed a defence treaty with the island, unlike Japan or South Korea.

Mao urged Washington to cease arms sales to Taiwan and halt all military interactions, warning that the "Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests" and the "first insurmountable red line" in Sino-U.S. relations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev