China Ready To Reunit Taiwan Peacefully

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - China stated that it is ready to work as hard as possible to "reunify" peacefully with Taiwan.

This was conveyed by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, August 18, responding to a statement by US President Donald Trump.

In an interview with Fox News on Friday last week, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping told him by phone call China would not invade Taiwan as long as Trump was still in office.

"China will not allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan from China in any way," ministry spokesman Mao Ning said at a regular press conference.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has said Taiwan wants peace and dialogue with China, but stressed the government must continue to strengthen the island's defense.

China calls Lai "separatist" and has rejected its various offers for negotiations.

Lai rejects China's claim to sovereignty over the democratic and separate island, saying only the Taiwanese can decide their future.

The Taiwanese government warned Beijing could commemorate its anniversary with military exercises, but while speaking to reporters at the presidential office in the city center of Taipei, Lai conveyed a message of peace.

"I am also committed to peace. Because peace is priceless and war knows no winner. However, in terms of seeking peace, we must not dream or be collusive," he said as quoted by Reuters.

"Taiwan will continue to strengthen his defense because preparing for war is the best way to avoid it. I also emphasize here - Taiwan enjoys making exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is mutual respect. Using exchanges to replace sieges, dialogues to replace confrontations, "added Lai.

China's Ministry of Defense once said Lai was a "minor of the Taiwan Strait crisis" that has increased hostilities and confrontations as well as undermined peace and stability.

Lai also faces challenges from a possible US tariff, which is currently being postponed, and says talks with Washington are continuing "currently".

Taiwan also plans to set up state wealth funds to boost technology-focused economies.

"The government will set up state funds to create a national investment platform, fully utilize Taiwan's industrial power, led by the government, in collaboration with the power of private companies," Lai said, without providing details.