BEIJING, May 30 -- "China's national reunification is an overriding historical trend and an unstoppable course. 'Taiwan independence' means war, and division brings no peace," said a Chinese defense spokesperson at a regular press conference on Thursday.
Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks when asked to comment on the so-called "inaugural speech" of Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region.
"Lai Ching-te's address, full of deception to Taiwan compatriots, hostility against the Chinese mainland's people, flattery to his 'foreign master' and delusion for 'seeking independence by force', is a confession of his attempt to solicit external support and use force for 'Taiwan independence'," said Snr. Col. Wu, adding that the PLA firmly opposed that and responded with strong countermeasures.
Snr. Col. Wu pointed that, Taiwan has been China's territory since ancient times. This is backed by clear historical and jurisprudential basis. The 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation clearly stipulated that Taiwan, a Chinese territory stolen by Japan, shall be restored to China. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 made it clear that there is but one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China. Just several days ago, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General explicitly said that Taiwan is a province of China.
However, in disregard of this fact, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities are hellbent on the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence", provoke antagonism and confrontation across the Strait and act as a pawn of foreign forces to contain China. Their behaviors seriously challenge the international order and severely damage regional peace. "Taiwan independence" separatist activities constitute the biggest real threat to the peace across the Taiwan Strait.
The trend of the world is surging forward. Those who follow the trend will prosper, whilst those who go against it will perish. China's national reunification is an overriding historical trend and an unstoppable course. "Taiwan independence" means war, and division brings no peace, said the spokesperson.
"Shouldering the sacred mission of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Chinese PLA is fully prepared and stays highly vigilant. We will take resolute actions to smash any 'Taiwan independence' separatist attempts and thwart any foreign interference," said Snr. Col. Wu.