The People’s Republic of China’s new ambassador to Australia has warned Beijing that it would seize Taiwan by whatever means necessary, declaring that the island is not independent and will always be a part of the People’s Republic of China.
On Wednesday, Xiao Qian warned the National Press Club that the communist superpower will “not relinquish the use of force,” and that “we maintain the option of adopting all necessary measures.”
Mr. Xiao was requested to assuage Australians’ “concerns” about the “potential of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan” and what would “justify a use of force across the strait.”
In response, the ambassador said that China is “ready” to use whatever force required to “reunify Taiwan” with the mainland.
Mr Xiao claimed China had been “very patient” in waiting for reunification with Taiwan and asked attendees at the National Press Club to “imagine” what the global powerhouse might accomplish.
‘That is one of the reasons China has been so patient throughout the years. We’re just waiting. We are looking forward to a peaceful unity. But we cannot rule out the possibility of using other measures… when pressed, we are prepared to take any necessary means,’ he added.
‘What does ‘all essential’ mean?’ You are free to use your imagination.’
Mr. Xiao was then questioned whether China has ambitions to’re-educate’ Taiwan’s 23 million people. He replied “yes or no.”
‘Can you confirm, yes or no, if that is Chinese government policy?’ Will China re-educate the people of Taiwan to alter their thoughts about the Chinese Communist Party,’ a journalist wondered.
‘It is natural for us to comprehend that their opinion on China, their perspective on their homeland, may vary somewhat,’ he said.
‘I suppose my own opinion is that whenever Taiwan is reunited and returns to the motherland, there may be a process for Taiwanese people to have a true knowledge of China about the homeland.’
China has drawn international condemnation for its re-education facilities in the Xinjiang region.
The camps, which were established in 2017, were used to indoctrinate Uyghurs and Muslims, and horrifying reports of torture and human rights breaches have surfaced.
Despite this, Mr Xiao said that using force was “the last thing” China intended to do. Earlier in his news conference, Mr. Xiao said that although China supports changes to the “existing international system,” it would never strive to establish a new one.
‘Three decades of reform and opening up to the outside world have resulted in huge changes in China,’ he added.
‘China’s overall national attitude has been greatly strengthened, but China’s diplomatic philosophy and foreign policy have remained constant.
‘While China supports required reform and enhancement to the present international order and system, it never tries to establish a new one.’
China said earlier this month that it will conduct a huge series of war drills surrounding Taiwan starting August 2 and running until August 8.
Nancy Pelosi (left) meets with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (right) on August 3 in Taipei, in a move that enraged Beijing.
Nancy Pelosi (left) meets with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (right) on August 3 in Taipei, in a move that enraged Beijing.
The military maneuvers cut Taiwan off from the rest of the world and intruded into its territorial seas, including ground, air, and naval troops conducting live fire exercises in what was the most serious threat to Taiwan’s independence in decades.
The heightened assault from Beijing was provoked by US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s provocative visit to the island on August 3 as the third most senior official in America.
Mr. Xiao described the exercises as a “legal and justifiable” reaction to Ms. Pelosi’s visit, which he accused of undermining China’s territorial integrity.
‘This is a justifiable reply to the provocations from the US side, from separatist groups on Taiwan Island,’ he added.
He also said that China is still seeking a stable and constructive relationship with Australia.
‘China will never seek hegemony or sphere of influence, no matter how it develops today or in the future.’ The growth of China-Australia ties is at a crossroads,’ said the Chinese envoy.
‘China’s friendship and cooperation policy with Australia remains unaltered. And Australia’s objective and logical approach toward China, as well as a constructive and pragmatic strategy toward China, are critically important for a long-term stable and predictable alliance between China and Australia.’ Mr Xiao, on the other hand, believes the Chinese president is unlikely to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the margins of the G20 gathering in Bali later this year.
‘Why should I see you if you’re gossiping about me?’ ‘You publicly humiliated me; why should I see you to be humiliated again face to face?’ he said.
‘Once we have a high-level meeting, we believe it will help us create a more positive connection rather than make things worse.’
‘First and foremost, I would prefer not to use the phrase ‘invasion’ when discussing China and Taiwan,’ he stated.
‘Taiwan is unlike any other setting or situation.
‘Taiwan is not a sovereign state. Taiwan is a People’s Republic of China province.
‘It’s a question of total reunification and Taiwan’s return to the motherland.’