In a sharp reiteration of its long-standing policy, China announced on Wednesday that it would not rule out the use of force in its efforts to assert sovereignty over Taiwan.
The statement follows a fresh round of military drills around the island and a high-profile visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the region.
China regards Taiwan, a democratically governed island, as part of its territory, although Taiwan rejects these claims. The situation between the two has been tense for decades, with military threats and diplomatic posturing defining much of their relationship.
On Monday, Beijing conducted extensive war games near Taiwan, positioning these drills as a stern warning to what it termed “separatist acts” by the Taiwanese government.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, confirmed the government’s firm stance.
“We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and endeavour,” said Chen. “But we will never commit ourselves to renouncing the use of force.”
According to Chen, the potential use of force would be aimed not at the majority of the Taiwanese population but rather at external forces and a “very small number of Taiwan separatists.”
This statement comes as Taiwan maintains close ties with the United States, a key arms supplier, and its allies. The Chinese government has long criticised these relationships, seeing them as unwarranted foreign interference in what it considers a domestic issue.
Chen’s comments underlined the potential consequences of further provocation. “No matter how many troops Taiwan has and how many weapons it acquires, and no matter whether external forces intervene or not, if it [Taiwan] dares to take risks, it will lead to its own destruction.”
In the wake of these drills, Chinese state media reported that President Xi had visited Dongshan Island in Fujian province, located directly across from Taiwan. The island holds historical significance, as it was the site of a major battle in 1953 where Chinese forces repelled an invasion by Taiwanese military units. The visit, while framed by official media as part of efforts to promote local cultural heritage, carried a symbolic message regarding China’s preparedness to defend its territorial claims.
Xi’s visit to Dongshan is the latest in a series of actions aimed at demonstrating China’s resolve. Since fleeing to Taiwan in 1949 following defeat in a civil war, the Republic of China government has remained on the island, with no peace treaty ever signed between the two sides. While both countries have continued to claim legitimacy over the same territory, Beijing’s stance has grown more aggressive in recent years, particularly as Taiwan increasingly asserts its independence.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s government has rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, insisting that only the island’s people can determine their own future. Speaking at a press conference in Taipei on Wednesday, Tsai Ming-yen, Director-General of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, remarked that China’s recent drills had backfired.
“The Chinese communists’ military exercise has created a negative effect in that it made the international community more supportive of Taiwan,” noted Tsai Ming-yen, referring to widespread condemnation from key allies like the United States.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te had previously addressed the nation on October 10, marking Taiwan’s national day. In his speech, Lai underscored that China had “no right to represent Taiwan.” Nevertheless, Lai maintained that Taiwan was willing to collaborate with Beijing on shared global challenges such as climate change. This approach, blending firmness with conciliatory tones, was perceived by Taiwanese officials as an olive branch. However, Chen dismissed the speech, saying that Lai had clung to a “stubborn separatist position” and that there was “no goodwill to speak of.”
Over the years, Lai has offered multiple times to engage in dialogue with China, but Beijing has consistently refused. Instead, the situation has seen the escalation of military activities, with China conducting frequent exercises around Taiwan’s waters and airspace. On Monday, China’s military suggested that additional drills could take place, depending on the level of “provocation” from Taiwan.
In a report presented to Taiwanese lawmakers, the island’s defence ministry described China’s actions as an effort to justify the use of force, undermine Taiwan’s military morale, and weaken its combat capability. The ministry reaffirmed that Taiwan’s military remained vigilant and focused on improving its preparedness in light of the continued threat from China.
In recent years, the Taiwanese military has detected frequent incursions by Chinese warships and aircraft. As of Wednesday morning, Taiwan’s defence ministry reported the presence of 22 Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels operating near the island over the preceding 24 hours.
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