China Reserves the Right to Use Force Against Taiwan

The President of China states that Beijing has the right to use force to maintain control over Taiwan, but aims to continue a peaceful reunification with the self-governing island. The issue of Taiwan's continued union with China is considered one of the most sensitive topics for Beijing, with the region recognized as a sacred territory. Since Tsai Ing-wen, the first Taiwanese woman from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party with pro-independence views, came to power, relations between the two sides have soured, and the Chinese President has faced pressure domestically. On Wednesday (January 1), Xi Jinping explicitly stated in his speech at the '40th Anniversary of Key Taiwan Policy' conference in Beijing that although he believes in peaceful reunification, there is no room for separatist activities on the island. According to him, this union will only be feasible under 'one China', of which Taiwan is 'a part'. The Chinese President added threateningly that most people in Taiwan understand that the island's separation from China could lead to 'disaster'. He made these remarks in the presence of Taiwanese economic activists and political elites. Xi Jinping also stated that 'China will not attack its citizens' and intends to 'sincerely' strive for a future with a peaceful outlook between the two regions. However, he explicitly threatened that he does not promise to refrain from using 'force' and all 'necessary tools' to prevent Taiwan's separation from China. The Taiwanese government has yet to respond to the Chinese President's remarks. However, the leader of Taiwan had previously stated that China should use peaceful means to resolve disputes between the two regions and respect democratic values. In recent years, China has repeatedly sent aircraft and warships around Taiwan, effectively besieging the island. In November, Tsai's political party suffered a heavy defeat in local elections, which China interpreted as a blow to her separatist stance.