Beijing says Chinese Taipei’s future lies in ‘reunification’, not US

China has warned Chinese Taipei after a massive aerial drill that the future of the island territory lies in “reunification” with the mainland, insisting that it can no longer rely on the US.

"The Democratic Progressive Party authorities must be soberly aware that the future of Taiwan lies in national reunification," China’s Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said Thursday, referring to Taipei's ruling party.

"Any attempt to rely on the United States for independence is doomed to failure," Ren said, insisting that the US “should fully understand that China's development and growth cannot be stopped by any force."

The remarks came after Taipei announced on June 15 that 28 Chinese military aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, had entered its so-called air defense identification zone for aerial drills, marking the largest number of war planes to date reported by the Chinese-claimed island's government.

The military drills were carried out shortly after the US-led Group of Seven (G7) leaders issued a joint statement against China. 

China’s military spokesman described the aerial maneuvers as "a necessary action for the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait and safeguarding national sovereignty," pointing out that independence for the Chinese Taipei means war.

Beijing reiterated its opposition to foreign intervention in the affairs of Chinese Taipei last week just after the aerial drills, emphasizing that any acts of "collusion" would receive a strong response.  

Beijing says will respond to foreign ‘collusion’ over Chinese Taipei

China says it will not tolerate foreign forces intervening in Chinese Taipei affairs and has to make strong responses to such acts of "collusion", after the self-ruled island reported the largest incursion to date of Chinese aircraft.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China’s State Council, said last week Beijing believes the self-governed island is working with foreign countries to seek formal independence.

"We will never tolerate attempts to seek independence or wanton intervention in the Taiwan issue by foreign forces, so we need to make a strong response to these acts of collusion," Ma said.

In a recent joint statement, G7 leaders scolded China over a range of contentious issues related to Xinjiang, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

China denounced the group’s statement as a gross interference in its internal affairs and meant to slander its reputation.

Beijing slams G7 statement as gross interference in Chinese affairs

China slams the G7

China considers Chinese Taipei as a breakaway province that should be reunited with the mainland under the internationally-recognized “One China” policy. The sovereignty is subject to international recognition, including by the United States.

US President Joe Biden dispatched a delegation to the island in April to “signal” his “personal” commitment to the secessionist government there, a move largely perceived as being part of his administration’s hostile posture against China.

Although Washington has no formal relations with Chinese Taipei, it is the island’s largest weapons supplier.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir