China pledges to take strong measures against any attempts of ‘Taiwan independence’ in anticipation of local elections

The Chinese military has issued a stern warning, stating that it will forcefully suppress any attempt by Taiwan to declare independence.

The military spokesperson emphasized that nothing, including the sale of weapons by the United States, would prevent the reunification of Taiwan with mainland China.

During a press briefing held just before Taiwan’s presidential election, the spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, asserted that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is constantly on high alert and will take all necessary measures to crush any separatist movements seeking Taiwan’s independence. He further emphasized that national sovereignty and territorial integrity would be firmly defended.

When asked about Taiwan’s plans to upgrade its fleet of US-made F-16 fighter jets, Zhang dismissed the significance of foreign arms sales, stating that they would not impede the inevitable reunification of the motherland.

Beijing has consistently warned against any attempts by Taiwan to assert its independence, considering the island as an integral part of China’s sovereign territory. Despite governing itself since 1949, Taiwan is not widely recognized as an independent state, with only a few countries, including the US, acknowledging its sovereignty.

While the US maintains informal diplomatic and security ties with Taiwan and has approved substantial military sales in recent years, China has expressed its displeasure on multiple occasions.

Although Beijing claims to seek peaceful reunification with Taiwan, President Xi Jinping has made it clear that military action is not off the table if necessary.

As Taiwan’s election approaches, the US government plans to send an unofficial delegation to Taipei to engage with the new Taiwanese government and convey US policy in the region. In response, Beijing has urged Washington to refrain from interfering in the elections in any form to avoid damaging China-US relations.