News / China

Arms won't stop unification with Taiwan, warns China

Thursday, 30 March 2017 2:27 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 30 March 2017 3:09 PM ]

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian

China's Defense Ministry says Taiwan is wrong to think it could use weapons to prevent unification as Washington is considering fresh sales of advanced weaponry to the self-ruled island.

"Separatist Taiwan independence forces and their activities are the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a monthly news briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

"It is futile to 'use weapons to refuse unification', and is doomed to have no way out,” he added.

The remarks come as the administration of US President Donald Trump is crafting a big new arms package for Taiwan that could include advanced rocket systems and anti-ship missiles.

China, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory, has warned the United States against arms sales to the island.

Senior officials in Beijing have called on Washington to abide by the 'One China' policy and "cease Taiwan arm sales" in order to preserve Sino-US relations as well as peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

On March 20, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that Beijing’s resolute opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan was clear and consistent. "We hope the US side fully recognizes the high sensitivity and serious harmfulness of its sales to Taiwan."

Read more:

China warns US over arms sales to Taiwan

The United States is Taiwan's only major political ally and sole arms supplier.

Beijing is deeply suspicious of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, believing she wants to push the island towards formal independence, a red line for China.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (C) is escorted by security staff before departing from Taoyuan International Airport on January 7, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Beijing has expressed readiness to use military force if Taipei continues to breach the internationally-approved “One China” policy that recognizes only one China.

China and Taiwan split amid a civil war in 1949, but Beijing still claims sovereignty over the island.

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