Asger Risom
Beijing has intensified its rhetoric against Taiwan’s pro-sovereignty leadership, warning that no amount of diplomacy or external support will alter its reunification agenda.
While tensions over Taiwan have simmered for decades, Beijing is making clear that it sees no room for negotiation on the island’s status. This comes in direct response to Taiwanese President William Lai’s recent anniversary speech, which reaffirmed Taiwan’s de facto independence and openness to talks—so long as they’re grounded in “equality and dignity.”
China Rejects Taiwan’s Sovereignty Claims
Responding on Tuesday, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, dismissed Lai’s speech and reiterated Beijing’s stance:
“Peace in the Taiwan Strait and ‘Taiwan independence’ are fundamentally incompatible.”
Chen stated that Lai’s pro-sovereignty remarks, coupled with his efforts to expand Taiwan’s international alliances and military capabilities, only increase regional instability. He emphasized that:
“No matter what the Taiwanese leader says, it cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China.”
He also warned that any bid for external support is “doomed to fail.”
Reunification Is Non-Negotiable
Chen accused Lai of deliberately provoking tensions with policies that promote independence and confrontation. Beijing, he said, remains fully committed to reunification—a goal it considers vital to national sovereignty.
“Nothing the Taiwanese leader says will alter the trajectory of cross-strait relations.”
According to HotNews, China’s response came hours after Lai’s address marking his first year in office. During the speech, the Taiwanese president urged preparation for defense, stating that readiness for war is key to preventing one.
Dialogue Still an Option—On Beijing’s Terms
Despite rejecting Taiwan’s position, Chen left the door open to talks—under China’s conditions. Lai, meanwhile, has insisted that dialogue must be based on mutual respect. His administration continues to emphasize deterrence as essential for peace.
Beijing, however, views Taiwan as an “inalienable part” of China and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. In recent years, it has ramped up military drills near the island and intensified efforts to isolate it diplomatically.
As both sides dig in, the fragile status quo across the Taiwan Strait grows increasingly unstable—leaving little room for compromise.