China has reiterated that it will not rule out the use of force in its claim over Taiwan, though it clarified that this stance is aimed at external forces and a small group of separatists, reported Reuters.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said that while China remains committed to peaceful reunification efforts, it won’t promise to renounce the use of force.
This statement follows large-scale military drills around Taiwan, which Beijing said were a response to “separatist acts” after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te‘s recent National Day speech.
On Monday, China’s military left open the possibility of more drills depending on the level of “provocation,” and Taiwan’s defence ministry reported the detection of 22 Chinese aircraft and five navy ships around the island on Wednesday.
Binhua explained that the force would not be directed at the broader population of Taiwan but only at foreign interference, namely the United States and its allies and a minority of Taiwanese separatists.
Taiwan’s government continues to reject Beijing’s claims of sovereignty, asserting that the island’s future is a matter for its own people to decide.
Responding to the military drills, Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen remarked that China’s actions had backfired, generating more international support for Taiwan, particularly from Washington.
In his October 10 speech, President Lai maintained that China does not have the right to represent Taiwan but expressed a willingness to cooperate with Beijing on issues like climate change.
China, however, dismissed this as a continuation of Lai’s ‘stubborn separatist position’. “There was no goodwill to speak of,” the spokesperson added.
China has conducted regular military exercises around Taiwan in recent years, heightening tensions in the region.