'Taiwan independence' means war, says Defense Ministry spokesperson

"Taiwan independence" means war, a Chinese military spokesperson said on Thursday, stressing that China's reunification is an irreversible trend of history.

Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media query related to Taiwan's new leader Lai Ching-te's debut speech.

Lai's speech is a confession of his attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" by force and by relying on external forces, Wu said, adding that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) firmly opposes this and has responded with strong countermeasures.

Taiwan has been China's territory since ancient times, he said. "This is backed by clear historical and jurisprudential basis."

The 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation clearly stipulated that Taiwan, a Chinese territory stolen by Japan, shall be restored to China, Wu pointed out.

UNGA Resolution 2758 made it clear that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is part of China, he added.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said last week that Taiwan is "a province of China."

In disregard of the fact, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have been hellbent on the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence," Wu said. The DPP authorities provoke antagonism and confrontation across the Straits and act as pawns of foreign forces to contain China, he added. "Its behaviors seriously challenge the international order and severely damage regional peace."

"Separatist activities seeking 'Taiwan independence' constitute the biggest real threat to peace across the Taiwan Straits," he said.

The PLA shoulders the mission of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Wu. It is fully prepared, remains highly vigilant, and is ready to take resolute actions to counter any "Taiwan independence" separatist attempts and thwart foreign interference, he noted.

(With input from Xinhua)