China: reunification with Taiwan 'unstoppable historical trend'
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China says that Taipei using the Taiwanese as fuel for the separatists' agenda in the new military conscription policy.
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New recruits practice thrusting with their bayonets at a military training center in Hsinchu County, northern Taiwan on April 22, 2013 (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File)
China calls on Taiwanese citizens not to take part in the newly announced one-year compulsory military conscription.
“We believe that the majority of Taiwan compatriots understand the righteousness and will not serve as cannon fodder for the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces,” stated the spokesperson of China's foreign ministry on Wednesday, Wang Wenbin.
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“Realizing the complete reunification of the motherland is the common will of all Chinese people and an unstoppable historical trend," he added during a press conference in China's capital Beijing.
Fighting towards, "the great cause of national reunification is more important than Mount Tai, and working for the separatist activities of ‘Taiwan independence’ is less important than a feather," the statement stressed.
The comment came in response to the announcement made by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday that starting in 2024 that the island's military conscription will be increased from currently four months to one year.
Tsai attributed the "incredibly difficult" decision to rising threats from Beijing and a necessary decision to "defend democracy", as she described the current military system of the island as lacking in face of any sudden attack targeting it.
“The more we are prepared, the less likely will we see an attack from across the strait.”
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In order to, “make sure they earn enough to cover their basic daily expenses,” the new conscripts will receive an increase in monthly wages to around $700, Tsai added.
The situation around Taiwan escalated following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei on August 2. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any direct official foreign contact with the island.
Pelosi's visit led China to announce ending cooperation with the United States on a number of issues such as climate change, anti-drug efforts, and military talks.
The service members conscripted starting 2024 will be subjected to more severe training, including using combat systems adopted by the US army and operating anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile systems.
This comes at a time when the United States is exerting more pressure on its security allies, such as South Korea, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and Japan to abide by broad restrictions on the export of cutting-edge semiconductors to China.
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