China-Taiwan reunification 'closer than ever': Chinese Amb. to Russia
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The Chinese Ambassador to Russia asserts that Beijing's strength can achieve Taiwan's reunification with the mainland.
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A Taiwan national flag flutters near the Taipei 101 building at the National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan, May 7, 2023. (AP)
China's reunification with Taiwan is closer than ever, given Beijing's strength to achieve reunification, Chinese Ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui told RIA Novosti.
"China is closer than ever before in history to achieving the goal of the great revival of the Chinese nation, is full of confidence and has the strength to realize this goal, and also has more confidence, strength and is closer to achieving the complete reunification of the country," the ambassador said.
Hanhui further asserted that Taiwan will rejoin the Chinese motherland in what he coined as a historic event "no one and nothing can stop," stressing that Chinese determination regarding national defense, sovereignty, and territorial integrity should not be undermined.
In a New Year speech on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reinforced his vision of unity between Taiwan and mainland China, describing the two sides as "one family" and asserting that their reunification is a historic inevitability.
"We will inexorably pursue our ‘one country, two systems' political course. We will maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. Compatriots on both sides of the Strait are one family, and no one can take away our blood and kinship ties. No one can stop the historic trend for reunification of the motherland," Xi declared, addressing the nation.
The Taiwan issue has been a cornerstone of Beijing's policy agenda for over five decades. Tensions escalated significantly in 2022 following a visit to the island by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, an act condemned by China for encouraging separatist movements.
Beijing considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and continues to oppose any steps toward Taiwanese separatism.
Read more: US authorizes $385mln military sale to Taiwan
It is worth noting that tensions between two of the world's leading powers escalated earlier this month following the US' approval of a $387 million arms package for Taiwan. The US package reportedly includes spare parts for fighter jets, missile systems, and other military equipment essential for maintaining Taiwan's defense capabilities.
In response, China imposed sanctions on 13 US companies, including drone manufacturers RapidFlight and BRINC Drones, as well as six individuals, such as Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, and Blake Resnick, the founder and CEO of BRINC Drones.
Then on December 21, the US approved $571 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, prompting Beijing to impose sanctions on seven military-industrial companies and senior executives involved in US arms assistance and sales to Taiwan.
