China-Taiwan dispute: Beijing, which regards Taiwan as a province of China, has never ruled out using force to seize control of the island. According to a statement released by the Chinese foreign ministry on Saturday, China's top diplomat Wang Yi "hopes and believes" Germany would back China's "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan.
At a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Wang Yi made the comments. (AFP).
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During a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who is in China till Saturday, Wang made the comments and said that China has previously backed the reunification of Germany.
Wang said that Taiwan's "return to China" was a crucial part of the post-World War II international order and that it was imperative to vehemently resist separatist actions relating to "Taiwan independence" in order to maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Baerbock declared on Friday that any attempt by China to dominate Taiwan would be undesirable and have negative effects on Europe. Josep Borrell, the in charge of international strategy for the European Union, concurred.
Beijing, which regards Taiwan as a province of China and argues that the island is democratically run, has never ruled out using force to annex the island. China's viewpoint is rejected by Taiwan's administration under President Tsai Ing-wen, who claims that only Taiwan's citizens can choose the island's destiny.
In a statement released on Saturday, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry expressed its strong support for Baerbock's remarks.
The Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to several high-ranking representatives of other governments, including Germany, for their support of Taiwan.
In contrast to Angela Merkel's policies, Olaf Scholz's administration is creating a new China policy to lessen reliance on Asia's economic giant, which has hitherto been a crucial export market for German goods.
China criticised Bettina Stark-Watzinger, the German education minister, for her "vile" visit to Taiwan last month.
After Tsai returned from Los Angeles, where she met Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, Beijing became enraged and organised three days of military exercises near Taiwan starting on April 8. These exercises included simulating pinpoint strikes with bombers and missile units.
Wang said that in order to improve mutual understanding and be ready for another round of Sino German government dialogues, China is eager to step up its exchanges and contact with Germany.