Asger Risom
China has dismissed accusations of aggression toward Taiwan, saying it’s impossible to “invade” what it already considers its own territory. The remarks follow renewed tensions as both sides harden their rhetoric on sovereignty.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, labeled a “separatist” by Beijing, has insisted Taiwan is “of course, a country.”
His administration is delivering a series of speeches on national identity, arguing that China holds no legal or historical claim over the island.
Beijing: No invasion of what’s already China
Speaking at a routine press briefing, Chinese official Zhu Fenglian warned that any “provocations of independence” would be met with firm countermeasures.
“Taiwan is part of China. There is no invasion to speak of,” she said, addressing U.S. criticism of recent military drills.
While China and Taiwan have never been formally unified, Beijing maintains that both sides belong to “one China,” a position it says has never changed.
Rising military pressure and historical dispute
Taiwan’s defense ministry reports near-daily Chinese military activity around the island, including frequent flights of dozens of warplanes.
Large-scale Chinese drills last occurred in April, raising fears of a potential armed confrontation, as reported by Digi24.
Lai countered that only Taiwan’s citizens can decide their future through democratic means. In a Tuesday speech, he argued that “Taiwan independence” simply means the island is not part of the People’s Republic of China.
He also invoked historical context, pointing out that the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name, predates the PRC by over four decades.
“How old is the Republic of China? 113 years. The PRC? Only around 70. It’s simple and clear,” he said.
Taiwan has also pushed back against Beijing’s plans to include veterans from the Republic of China in a World War II commemoration parade.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo accused China of distorting history, stating that “the war of resistance was led and won by the Republic of China.”
