Publishing White Paper On Taiwan: China Ready To Create Large Space For Peaceful Reunification, Will Not Tolerate Separatists

Illustration of a Chinese drone flying over the Taiwan Strait. (Wikimedia Commons/航空自衛隊)

JAKARTA - China will not tolerate separatist activities in Taiwan, reiterating that it will take the self-governing island by force, if needed, a white paper published Wednesday said.

The warning from Beijing, which regards Taiwan as its territory, came after days of unprecedented Chinese military exercises around the island sparked by a visit by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week.

The white paper outlines how China intends to claim Taiwan, through various economic incentives and military pressure.

"We are ready to create ample space for peaceful reunification, but we will leave no room for separatist activities of any kind," the Chinese government white paper wrote.

China "will not abandon the use of force, and we have the option to take all necessary measures".

But it added: "We will only take drastic action if we have to, to respond to provocations by separatist elements or external forces if they cross our red lines."

China's white paper promises Taiwan's economic prosperity and "greater security and dignity" after "reunification".

While citing Antara, the book entitled 'Taiwan Problems and China's Reunification in the Bru Era' was published by the Taiwan Affairs Office and the Information Office under the State Council of China.

The book also cites UN General Assembly Resolution No. 2758 on the One China Principle, which is legally unquestionable and has been recognized worldwide.

"We are one China and Taiwan is part of China. This is an irrefutable fact, supported by history and law. Taiwan will never be a country because its status as part of China cannot be changed," the book stated.

It is known that China last issued a white paper on Taiwan in 2000. Since the late 1990s, the island has gone from an autocracy to a vibrant democracy, and a distinct Taiwanese identity has emerged.

Relations between China and Taiwan have deteriorated significantly since Tsai Ing-wen became president in 2016. President Tsai and her Democratic Progressive Party do not consider Taiwan to be part of China.