On March 7, 2023, Foreign Minister Qin Gang held a press conference for the two sessions. A reporter asked about the real risk of China and the United States going into conflict over the Taiwan issue.
Qin Gang said that I would first quote two sentences from the preamble of the “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”: “Taiwan is part of the sacred territory of the People’s Republic of China. It is the sacred duty of all Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots, to complete the great cause of reunifying the motherland. “The resolution of the Taiwan issue is the Chinese people’s own business, and no foreign country has the right to interfere. Recently, a senior US official claimed that the Taiwan issue is not China’s internal affairs. We firmly oppose and remain highly vigilant against this.
Qin Gang said, for both sides of the strait, we all have a home called China. As fellow citizens of the same flesh and blood, we are willing to continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and best efforts. At the same time, the option to take all necessary measures remains open. China’s “Anti-Secession Law” clearly stipulates this. If there is a violation of the law, we must act in accordance with the law of the constitution. No one should underestimate the strong determination, firm will and strong ability of the Chinese government and Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Qin Gang said that the Taiwan issue is the core of China’s core interests, the foundation of the political foundation of Sino-US relations, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in Sino-US relations. The United States bears the inescapable responsibility for the Taiwan issue. The reason why China discussed the Taiwan issue with the United States was to ask the United States to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs. The Chinese people have the right to ask: Why does the US talk about respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Ukraine issue, but does not respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Taiwan issue? Why, while asking China not to provide arms to Russia, has it sold arms to Taiwan in violation of the “August 17” communiqué for a long time? Why is it that while it keeps talking about maintaining regional peace and stability, it secretly formulates a so-called plan to “destroy Taiwan”?
Qin Gang said that “Taiwan independence” separatism is incompatible with peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The real threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, the one-China principle is the magic needle, and the three Sino-US joint communiqués are the real guardrails. If the Taiwan issue is not handled well, the relationship between China and the United States will be shaken. If the US really wants calm in the Taiwan Strait, it should stop “using Taiwan to contain China”, return to the original meaning of the one-China principle, abide by its political commitment to China, and clearly oppose and stop “Taiwan independence”.
Source: MFA News
