Beijing’s Taiwan white paper: the messages for home and abroad
- The first document of its kind in two decades is aimed at international and domestic consumption, observers say
- White paper will chart China’s reunification process for next few years, analyst says
It clearly laid out China’s position, saying it would never allow any attempt to separate Taiwan but also would try its best to achieve unification by peaceful means.
“We will work with the greatest sincerity and exert our utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification,” the white paper said, adding again that the option to use force would not be renounced, and if adopted, would target external and separatist activities, rather than the people on the island.
“We will only be forced to take drastic measures to respond to the provocation of separatist elements or external forces should they ever cross our red lines.”
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The document was released on Wednesday jointly by the Taiwan Affairs Office and the Information Office, both under the State Council, Beijing’s cabinet.