China defence Minister: Taiwan question is a national priority

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe on October 21 has said that solving the 'Taiwan question' is China's greatest national interest adding that no force can prevent China's 'reunification'. Tensions between China and Taiwan have been running high as self-ruled island's presidential elections approaches and are due to be held in January 2020. 

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'Yet to be completely reunified'

At the opening of Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, Wei has reportedly said that separatist activities will fail. Wei said that China is the only major country in the world which is yet to be reunified.

"Resolving the Taiwan question so as to realise China's full reunification is the irresistible trend of the times, China's greatest national interest, the righteous path to follow and the longing of all Chinese people," Wei said.

'Democratic' Taiwan has slammed China for its authoritarian rule and for being a threat to regional peace. China, on the other hand has pressured Taiwan in a bid to reduce its few remaining diplomatic allies. China has always considered Taiwan as its sacred territory. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly uttered that Taiwan be brought under Beijing's rule, even if it is by force. Taiwan independence supporters say that China's communist government has never ruled Taiwan so it cannot be reunified. 

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The US question

China has also been riled by US support for Taiwan which includes arms sales. The US has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to provide the means to defend itself.

Defence Minister Wei said, "No one and no force can ever stop China's full reunification. We are committed to promoting the peaceful development of cross-Taiwan strait relations and the peaceful reunification of the country."

Fenghe further added that China will never allow separatists for Taiwan independence to have their way. China also won't allow any interference by external forces. 

The US and China have disputed over several issues in recent years, especially over what the US considers as China's growing abilities in terms of armed forces. 

(With inputs from agencies)

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