{"id":3207,"date":"2024-10-16T14:34:05","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T14:34:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bnchmrk.me\/?p=3207"},"modified":"2024-10-17T00:58:36","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T00:58:36","slug":"beijing-not-ruling-out-use-of-force-over-taiwan-state-official","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/bnchmrk.me\/index.php\/2024\/10\/16\/beijing-not-ruling-out-use-of-force-over-taiwan-state-official\/","title":{"rendered":"Beijing not ruling out use of force over Taiwan \u2013 state official"},"content":{"rendered":"
The warning comes after China staged large-scale drills around the island<\/strong><\/p>\n Beijing will not reject the possibility of using force over Taiwan if it \u201cdares to take risks\u201d<\/em> and declare independence. However, this would be directed at outside interference and a small minority of \u201cseparatists,\u201d<\/em> China\u2019s Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n The remark came shortly after China wrapped up large-scale military exercises around the island, and following a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te last week, in which he reiterated the island government\u2019s stance to push for independence from Beijing.\u00a0<\/p>\n China\u2019s stated goal is peaceful reunification, but the country\u2019s authorities have repeatedly said they would use force if Taiwan attempts to declare independence.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity,\u201d<\/em> Chen Binhua, the spokesperson for China\u2019s Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a regular press briefing, as quoted by Reuters. \u201cBut we will never commit ourselves to renouncing the use of force,\u201d<\/em> he added.<\/p>\n Chen clarified, however, that this would be aimed at the interference of \u201cexternal forces,\u201d<\/em> referring to the US, Taiwan\u2019s main backer and arms supplier, and the small number of separatists \u2013 not the vast majority of people on the island.<\/p>\n \n Read more<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n