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China’s 20th Party Congress
ChinaPolitics

Taiwan independence is ‘a dead end’, China’s Communist Party says ahead of key congress

  • Option of reunification by force targets separatists and external actors, not ‘compatriots in Taiwan’, party spokesman says in Beijing
  • Reunification holds bright prospects for long-term stability and development of entire Chinese nation, Sun Yeli assures Taiwanese

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Communist Party representatives hold a press conference via video link, in Beijing on October 15. Photo: Xinhua
Mimi Lau
So long as there is the slimmest chance, Beijing will do its “level best” to peacefully resolve the Taiwan issue, with “non-peaceful means” to be used only as a last resort, according to a Communist Party spokesman.
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Appealing to Taiwanese people at a press conference ahead of the official opening of the 20th party congress, spokesman Sun Yeli said the intention to take Taiwan by force was targeted at external forces and separatists rather than the island’s populace.

“Reunification brings bright prospects while [a pathway towards] Taiwan’s independence remains a dead end. Those external forces are unreliable,” Sun said, adding this would serve the “long-term stability and development” of the Chinese nation as a whole, which included compatriots in Taiwan.

Sun Yeli speaks to the press in Beijing on October 15. Photo: Xinhua
Sun Yeli speaks to the press in Beijing on October 15. Photo: Xinhua

“It is our first choice in resolving the Taiwan question. We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and efforts,” he said. “[But] we don’t renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary measures.

“This is to guard against external interference and a small handful of Taiwan independence elements and their separatist movements. By no means does this target our fellow Chinese in Taiwan.”

At a press briefing on Saturday ahead of a key party congress, Sun’s comments were seen as highlighting Beijing’s position on Taiwan and journalists’ questions appeared to be carefully selected to affirm mainland China’s determination for reunification.

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Mainland China white paper declares ‘greatest sincerity’ for peaceful reunification with Taiwan

Mainland China white paper declares ‘greatest sincerity’ for peaceful reunification with Taiwan
In August, the central government’s Taiwan Affairs Office and the Information Office published a new white paper to reiterate Beijing’s commitment to peaceful reunification, but also its readiness to use force if necessary.
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