China refuses to stop using force in Taiwan, Xi travels to the frontline island

Following another round of war drills and a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the site of a historic loss for Taiwanese forces, the Beijing administration declared on Wednesday that China will never pledge to forgo using force over Taiwan.

China, which considers democratically controlled Taiwan to be its own territory, held a day of extensive drills throughout the island on Monday, claiming they were a warning against “separatist acts” in response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s national day speech last week.

According to Chen Binhua, the spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, “We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and endeavor,” during a routine press conference in Beijing.

“But we will never commit ourselves to renouncing the use of force,” he continued.

According to Chen, that is not directed at the great majority of Taiwanese citizens, but rather at the meddling of “external forces” and the tiny number of Taiwan separatists. The United States, a significant arms supplier, and its allies have close, albeit informal, ties with Taiwan.

“No matter how many troops Taiwan has and how many weapons it acquires, and no matter whether external forces intervene or not, if it (Taiwan) dares to take risks, it will lead to its own destruction,” he stated.

“Our actions to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity will not cease for a moment.”

According to Chinese official media on Wednesday, President Xi had landed the day before on Dongshan island in the country’s Fujian province, which borders Taiwan and is where China defeated a 1953 military invasion attempt by Taiwan.

In 1949, the administration of the defeated Republic of China fled to Taiwan after losing a civil war to the communists led by Mao Zedong. There has never been a signed peace treaty or armistice.

According to the official People’s Daily, Xi was visiting the island to learn about the “passing on of red genes and strengthening the protection of cultural heritage”—a reference to the Communist Party’s color—and initiatives to reinvigorate the countryside.

“Enhance the ethnic, cultural and national identity of Taiwan compatriots,” he said, urging Fujian officials to support cross-strait cultural interactions, according to Xinhua news agency.

“NEGATIVE EFFECT”

The government of Taiwan denies China’s claims to sovereignty, stating that the destiny of the island can only be determined by its citizens.

Taiwan National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen told reporters in Taipei earlier Wednesday that China’s drills had backfired because of the international outcry they sparked, particularly from Washington.

“The Chinese communists’ military exercise has created a negative effect in that it made the international community more supportive of Taiwan,” he stated.

In his statement on October 10, Lai stated that China had no right to represent Taiwan but that the island was prepared to cooperate with the Beijing government to address issues such as climate change. He struck a balance between firmness and conciliation, which Taiwan officials claimed was an indication of goodwill.

Lai has maintained his “stubborn separatist position,” according to Chen, the Chinese spokesperson.

Chen remarked, “There was no goodwill to speak of,”

Lai has been turned down for negotiations with China on several occasions.

Depending on how much “provocation” is involved, China’s military left open the prospect of additional maneuvers around Taiwan on Monday.

In a report to lawmakers, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, Taiwan’s defense ministry said China was trying to legitimize the use of force against Taiwan, to undermine military morale and to “deplete the military’s combat power”.

“In response to the severity of the enemy threat, the military continues to maintain a high degree of vigilance and make every effort to improve training and preparedness,” it said.

Over the last five years, China has virtually daily launched warships and bombers into the waterways and airspace surrounding Taiwan.

On Wednesday morning, in its daily update of Chinese activities in the previous 24 hours, Taiwan’s defense ministry said it had detected 22 Chinese military aircraft and five navy ships around Taiwan.