In the midst of ongoing tensions over Taiwan, China threatened to take the democratically self-governing island by force if necessary on Wednesday.
The statement was made by the Cabinet’s Taiwan Affairs Office and its news section after nearly a week of Chinese warships and air force jets firing missiles and invading Taiwanese waters and airspace.
Flights and shipping have been affected in an area critical to global supply systems, sparking harsh condemnation from the United States, Japan, and others.
“We will work with the greatest sincerity and make every effort to achieve peaceful reunification,” the Chinese government quoted a white paper on the Taiwan issue, according to the dpa news agency.
“However, we will not abandon the use of force, and we reserve the right to use all necessary measures.” Under compelling circumstances, the use of force would be the final resort. We will only be forced to take harsh steps in response to separatist elements or external forces who break our red lines.
“Let there be no doubt: we will not allow foreign involvement in Taiwan, we will oppose any attempt to divide our country, and we will unite as a formidable force for national reunification and rejuvenation.”
“The historic goal of rejoining our nation must and will be accomplished,” it said.
China has made similar threats against Taiwan in the past.
The latest flare-up was sparked by Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei last week, despite Beijing’s vehement disapproval.
In retaliation, China began military games in six marine zones around Taiwan, including live-fire drills. The Chinese leadership opposes such official interaction with Taiwan because it considers the island to be part of its territory.
China claims that the threatening steps were triggered by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last week, but Taiwan claims that such trips are common and that China used the visit as an excuse to escalate its threats. Taiwan, on the other hand, has long seen itself as self-sufficient.
