Chinese military spokesperson reaffirms commitment to national reunification

A Chinese military spokesperson on Tuesday said that national reunification across the Taiwan Strait is the right course and an irresistible trend of the times, while "Taiwan independence" is a dead end that runs against the tide.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force to the ongoing annual session of the 14th National People's Congress, made these remarks on the sidelines of the session in response to Taiwan-related content in the draft Government Work Report.

The report stated that China would resolutely combat "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, oppose external interference, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and advance the cause of national reunification.

Zhang said that Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities have attempted to seek "independence" by relying on external forces and military means, pushing Taiwan step by step toward the danger of conflict and becoming the biggest disruptor of the status quo in the Strait and the root cause of tensions.

What people in Taiwan want most is to live in peace, not to be tied to a chariot and used as cannon fodder by "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, he said.

Compatriots on both sides of the Strait should join hands to oppose "Taiwan independence" and external interference, create a bright future for national reunification, and share the great glory of national rejuvenation, he said.

Zhang added that the Chinese mainland is willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost effort, but will never promise to renounce the use of force.

The option of taking all necessary measures is aimed at the tiny number of "Taiwan independence" separatists and their separatist activities, as well as external interference, the spokesman stressed, noting that its purpose is to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The PLA will continue to strengthen training and combat readiness, comprehensively enhance its ability to prevail in war, resolutely crush separatist and external interference schemes, and firmly safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Zhang said.