Force Against Taiwan Is A Last Resort, Says Beijing

Beijing will use all means to prevent pro-independence forces separating Taiwan from the mainland, but non-peaceful action against the island will be a last resort, the Chinese Communist Party's third most senior leader said on Friday.

Li Zhanshu, who is also the head of the National People's Congress, said Beijing will never allow any force, in any way, to separate Taiwan from China.

Meanwhile, a top PLA general said at an event at the Great Hall of the People marking 15 years since Beijing signed into law its Anti-Secession Law that China needs to keep both peaceful and military options open to resolve the "Taiwan issue".

If the chance for "peaceful reunification" is gone, then the military will use all means to ensure the completeness of its territory, said Li Zuocheng, chief of the Joint Staff Department and member of the Central Military Commission.

The head of Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office, Liu Jieyi, said at the event that "One Country, Two Systems" and "peaceful reunification" is the best way to bring Taiwan and the mainland together.

Outside attempts by foreign forces to interfere in "reunification" will fail, Liu said. (Reuters)