China mulls ‘peaceful reunification’ with Taiwan, stressing one China policy

Beijing: Sticking to its claim for Taiwan, China on Sunday talked of promoting peaceful development of relations with Taiwan as well as taking ‘resolute steps’ to oppose independence of Taiwan.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang made a statement on these terms on Sunday, sending strong messages to both Taiwan and the countries that support the calls for its independence.

China has stepped up military activity, sending aircraft, around the island over the past three years, Reuters reported.

The military activity peaked after US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, which led to China either cancelling or suspending eight official military dialogues with the US, according to reports.

China increased military activity responding to what it calls "collusion" between Taipei and Washington, according to Reuters.

Talking to China's parliament as part of its annual meeting, Li said China sticks to its "one China" principle, meaning Taiwan is part of it.

Addressing a gathering of 3,000 delegates at sprawling Great Hall of the People, Li urged the government to implement the party’s policy of ‘resolving the Taiwan question’.

"We should promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the process of China's peaceful reunification,” Li was quoted as saying.

Most Taiwanese people are averse to be ruled by China and rejecting China’s sovereignty claims, the Taiwan government said the island’s people can decide their future.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s offer of talks with China was rejected by Beijing considering her to be a separatist, according to the report.