China’s top official for cross-strait affairs laid out a framework for dealing with Taiwan for the first time on Thursday with a focus on “reunification,” The South China Morning Post reported.
Liu Jieyi, the head of the Taiwan Affairs Office, wrote in China’s People’s Daily that reunification with Taiwan should be promoted as part of China’s rejuvenation. He said that tensions and dangers across the Taiwan Strait should gradually be resolved as China grows.
Liu said that Taiwan’s “independence forces” are the biggest threat to reunification and vowed that China would punish these forces and crack down on foreign interference. In recent years, the US has stepped up cooperation and its informal ties with Taiwan, angering Beijing.
For decades, China has maintained that it seeks a “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, and Beijing has an interest in avoiding a war since it has a robust trade relationship with the island. Attacking Taiwan would also require a massive amphibious invasion, dwarfing the size of the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day in World War II.
But China has always said it will not rule out using force to take Taiwan, something Liu reiterated. “We do not promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary measures,” Liu wrote. But for now, Liu said the peaceful development of cross-strait relations is the main “method” of China’s Taiwan policy.
Chinese officials have made clear to the US that the issue of Taiwan is a serious red line and that US support for “independence forces” on the island could lead to war. But that hasn’t stopped the US from increasing cooperation with Taipei and working to boost its military presence in the region.
Suspect, sadly, the “peaceful reunification” would look like Hong Kong 2.0.
And how many have died in “Hong Kong 2.0”? Have you been to Hong Kong yourself other than reading what’s in MSM? You would want another Ukraine or Iraq over peace?
Hong Kong is part of China; how is that any of our business? And, it’s still better than being a John Bull colony for 99 years.
Pompass and the two Parties of the USA seem determined to ensure no peace ever reigns in the world run by the wonderful democratic beacon of freedom USA.
Well, Washington is up against the clock, as winter approaches, deep recession sets in, and popular discontent rises in support of another America-first’r free of Neocon corruption. They’ve burned their “Russia-gate” tactic, over-sold their neo-liberal snake oil, so we are going to have to watch out for another of the 9/11 genre.
I’m inclined to agree Anaisanesse…
One of my favorite expressions (and indeed, it is one of my own): If it is being done improperly (and it usually is) and in the name of peace, it is being done by the US of A and it usually means war!
Recognizing One China is the basis of diplomatic relations with China. It is always the U.S. who is moving the goal posts on Taiwan and actively advocating for formal independence. Without American interference, China and Taiwan would get along fine forever with Taiwan with its de facto independence but still part of China on paper. And that is what the majority of Taiwanese want as well, always a massive majority for status quo over independence in polls. The truth is, the West wants a war over Taiwan much more than either China or Taiwan does.
It looks like they’re getting their wish/war soon.
Abe has just been assassinated! Breaking now MSM…
Is there going to be a larger war?…
Absolutely. But the bigger question is, are we ready to swallow another wave of propaganda against an “unprovoked/unjustified/war of aggression?” When will we experience outrage fatigue and start minding our own business?
Nicely stated.
Still using Taiwan as “pawn”, ever since Nixon/Kissinger’s opening to China.
We are there to make sure this “peaceful reunification” is not peaceful.