In a "white paper", Beijing does not exclude the use of force vis-à-vis Taiwan
The Taiwan Affairs Bureau, a Chinese government agency, released a "white paper" on Wednesday detailing how Beijing plans to take possession of Taiwan.
AP-Lin Jian
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
In an official document released by a Chinese government agency, Beijing details how it plans to take possession of Taiwan.
The authorities seem to be opting for a more conciliatory approach to this state, which they still consider to be a "
rebel island
" supposed to return to Chinese control.
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After the war propaganda, Beijing takes a more moderate tone: “
Achieving the reunification of China is an aspiration shared by all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation
”, can we read in this “white paper”.
Remarks "
far from being a declaration of war
", analyzes researcher Matthieu Duchâtel on Twitter.
Indeed some of the remarkable points of this White Paper, clearly not a war declaration.
Also 1. Completely ignores the role of coercion as a tool.
2. Doubles down on One Country, Two Systems, dubbed a resounding success in Hong Kong.
https://t.co/BmWZalgKto
— Mathieu Duchatel (@mtdtl) August 10, 2022
Zero tolerance for separatists
Although China promises to leave "
no leeway
" to supporters of independence, the authors stress that force will only be used as a last resort: "
We would be forced to take drastic measures in the face of provocations by separatists or external forces, should they cross our red lines
”.
But the authors emphasize the carrot rather than the stick.
They propose reinforced cooperation (cultural, social and economic), and hold out the advantages of peaceful reunification: “
Taiwanese compatriots will be stronger, more confident, more secure and more respected on the international scene
”.
A reunification desired by China
Except that the Taiwanese think just the opposite: an overwhelming majority of Taiwanese say they are opposed to this “reunification” that China is calling for.
In the last sentence of the "white paper", Beijing sends this warning: "
the objective of the reunification of our native land must and will be achieved
".
►Also read:
Tensions between China and Taiwan: "The Chinese inflate the threat to put pressure"
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