China will not promise to renounce the use of force over Taiwan but this is aimed at external interference and a small minority of separatists. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office gave this statement on Wednesday following the country’s latest war games around the island.
China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory. On Monday, it staged a day of large-scale drills around Taiwan and said this was a warning to “separatist acts”. This came in following last week’s national day speech by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.
“We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and endeavour,” Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, told a regular press briefing in Beijing.
“But we will never commit ourselves to renouncing the use of force,” he said.
That is, however, aimed at the interference of “external forces” – a reference to the United States and its allies – and the very small number of Taiwan separatists, Chen said. He said it was not aimed at the vast majority of Taiwan’s people.
Taipei Rejects China’s Claims
Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future.
Speaking to reporters in Taipei earlier on Wednesday, Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said China’s drills had backfired given the international condemnation they generated, especially from Washington.
“The Chinese communists’ military exercise has created a negative effect in that it made the international community more supportive of Taiwan,” he said.
Lai, in his Oct. 10 speech, said China has no right to represent Taipei, but the island was willing to work with Beijing to combat challenges like climate change. He struck a firm and yet a conciliatory tone which Taiwan officials said was a show of goodwill towards Beijing.
Chinese Response
Chen, the Chinese spokesperson, said Lai had stuck to his “stubborn separatist position”.
“There was no goodwill to speak of,” he added.
Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China but been rebuffed.
China’s military on Monday held open the possibility of more drills around Taiwan depending on the level of “provocation”.
Taiwan On Alert
Tsai said the government remained on alert for further military actions.
“We cannot rule out any possibilities,” he added.
China has over the past five years sent warships and warplanes in the waters and skies around Taiwan on an almost daily basis.
On Wednesday morning, in its daily update of Chinese activities in the previous 24 hours, Taiwan’s defence ministry said it had detected 22 Chinese military aircraft and five navy ships.
(with inputs from Reuters)
