China Vows to Thwart Any ‘Independence’ Schemes for Taiwan

“Solving the issue of Taiwan is an internal affair of the Chinese people,” China’s Defense Ministry quoted Tan as saying on its official WeChat channel. According to him, at present, “some in the United States are under the illusion that they could contain China by way of Taiwan, while the administration of [Taiwan’s ruling] Democratic Progressive Party has been trying in vain to rely on the United States in their quest for independence.” This, Tan Kefei stressed, has been “the source of tensions in the Taiwan Strait.”

“We are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, however we do not renounce the use of force and do reserve the right to take any necessary measures,” the spokesman for China’s top brass assured. “The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has the confidence and every capacity to thwart any outside interference or separatist plans seeking Taiwan’s independence and achieve complete national reunification,” he concluded.

In its annual report on China’s military capability, released last week, the Pentagon believes that Beijing can use a range of military campaigns against Taiwan, ranging from a blockade to a “full-scale invasion.”

Taiwan has been governed by its local administration since 1949 when the Kuomintang’s remaining forces headed by Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) were defeated in the Chinese Civil War and took refuge on the island. Taiwan has preserved the flag and several other symbols of the Republic of China that had existed before the Communists took over the mainland. According to China’s official position supported by most countries, including Russia, the Island of Taiwan is one of China’s provinces.

The US severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 and established relations with the PRC. While recognizing the ‘one-China’ policy, Washington still continues to maintain contact with the Taipei administration and supplies the island with weapons. Tensions heightened in the Taiwan Strait after the early August visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island.