Taiwan Presidential Office: "Taiwan is a Sovereign Independent Country... Opposes One Country, Two Systems"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Taiwan strongly opposed Chinese President Xi Jinping's mention of the possibility of using force against Taiwan and the unification of Taiwan during the opening ceremony of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (Party Congress).

According to Taiwan media such as United Daily News on the 16th, Taiwan's Presidential Office stated regarding President Xi's speech at the Party Congress opening ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, "Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, and freedom and democracy are the beliefs and principles of the Taiwanese people."

The Presidential Office explained that "we firmly reject one country, two systems (一國兩制) and clearly convey the will of the majority of Taiwanese people."

Chang Tun-han, spokesperson for Taiwan's Presidential Office, emphasized that Taiwan's position is very firm, stating, "The sovereignty of our territory is non-negotiable, and freedom and democracy are also non-compromisable." He added that starting a war is absolutely not an option for both sides of the Taiwan Strait (兩岸, China and Taiwan), which is a common understanding among Taiwanese people.

Chang pointed out that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region is a shared responsibility of both sides. He also conveyed that, as emphasized by President Tsai Ing-wen, they seek to explore ways to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in a rational, equal, and mutually respectful atmosphere acceptable to both sides.

He added that the national security agencies are closely monitoring the relevant situation and continuously paying attention to related developments.

During the Party Congress opening ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned the achievements of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong and Macau, then referred to Taiwan unification, emphasizing that he would never promise to renounce the use of force against Taiwan.

President Xi also stated, "The complete reunification of the motherland will definitely be realized and must be realized." Earlier, Sun Yeli, deputy head of the Central Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China and spokesperson for the 20th Party Congress, explained at a video press conference the previous afternoon regarding non-peaceful unification, "We do not promise to renounce the use of force and retain all options for necessary measures."

He further said, "If there is even a glimmer of possibility for a peaceful resolution, we will make a hundredfold effort, and non-peaceful means will be the last resort in unavoidable circumstances."

In response, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), the agency responsible for China affairs, immediately expressed regret and opposition, calling it an "old rhetoric contrary to the will of the Taiwanese people." The MAC emphasized, "China must abandon coercive political frameworks and handle the issue rationally for the true benefit of each side's development interests."

It also pointed out, "Facing internal and external challenges, China should engage in more responsible and serious policy discussions and make accurate judgments regarding the situation in the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan policy at this Party Congress."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.