Message also to the USA

China: Taiwan supporters face “bitter pill”

(Bild: APA/AFP/Nicolas ASFOURI)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned other states not to interfere in the dispute with Taiwan. "Whoever supports Taiwan independence will burn themselves and swallow the bitter pill for their actions," Wang said on Thursday at a press conference on the sidelines of the National People's Congress in Beijing. 

China would never allow Taiwan to secede from the mainland, Wang made clear. Wang described the recent parliamentary and presidential elections in Taiwan in mid-January as "local elections in one part of China". The ruling Communist Party in Beijing counts Taiwan as part of China's territory, although a democratically elected government has been in power there for decades and Beijing has never ruled the East Asian island republic in the Indo-Pacific with more than 23 million inhabitants.

Wang describes recent presidential elections as "local elections in one part of China."(Bild: AFP)

Lai Ching-te from the Democratic Progressive Party, which Beijing regards as separatist, won the election. Lai is due to be inaugurated on May 20, replacing President Tsai Ing-wen, who previously held office for two terms.

Military demonstrations of power from China
"Certain countries" insist on maintaining official relations with Taiwan, criticized Wang. The island's most important ally is the United States. US politicians have repeatedly traveled to Taiwan and reaffirmed Washington's support. The USA has assured the government in Taipei of its backing in the event of defense.

Due to China's constant military demonstrations of power in the strait between the People's Republic and Taiwan, some fear a conflict. China wants the island to be reunited with the mainland - using military means if necessary.