The DF-26D revealed at the military parade on the 3rd. [Capture from China Central (CC) TV. Reproduction and DB prohibited]

The Chinese government announced on the 10th (local time) that it will "make every effort to win the prospect of peaceful reunification (with Taiwan), but will never promise to renounce the use of force, and will reserve the option of taking all necessary measures."

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, China's Taiwan affairs agency, made these remarks at a press conference that day in relation to the '80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War' military parade held in Beijing on the 3rd, according to Chinese media outlets such as Beijing Daily.

Although Chinese President Xi Jinping did not directly mention Taiwan in his speech at the military parade, it was speculated that new weapons, including missiles, revealed at the time could be used to prevent the projection of US military power in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait.

In response to a question from Taiwanese media that day asking whether China's emphasis on peace at the military parade was to highlight the "peaceful development" trend with Taiwan and to quell rumors of a Chinese attack on Taiwan, spokesperson Chen reaffirmed the existing stance, stating, "Taiwan policy is consistent and clear."

China's stance of "aiming for peaceful reunification but not ruling out reunification by force" has been consistently maintained since President Xi mentioned it in his speech in January 2019.

Spokesperson Chen emphasized, "Peaceful reunification and 'one country, two systems' are the basic principles for resolving the Taiwan issue," adding, "We love peace but absolutely cannot tolerate Taiwan's secession and independence."

He also stated that the military parade "clearly demonstrated our resolve and ability to defend peace and justice, as well as to defend reunification and oppose Taiwan's independence."

However, regarding the possibility of using force, he clarified, "This is directed at Taiwan's secession and independence and interference by external forces, not at our compatriots in Taiwan," and expressed hope that the Taiwanese people would oppose secession and external interference.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te recently stated in an interview that defense spending would be increased to 5% of GDP before 2030. Spokesperson Chen criticized this as an act of seeking Taiwan's independence through force by relying on external forces.

He said, "(The DPP authorities are) acting as an ATM by paying more protection money to external forces," adding, "(Through this) not only can security and peace not be bought, but it also causes harm in the present and leaves future troubles for descendants."

He also stated, "If the DPP stops its secession and independence activities, negotiations across the strait will resume immediately," adding, "Otherwise, everything is empty talk and the deception of a swindler."

Regarding the move by US lawmakers to invite Taiwan to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) meeting, he demanded, "The United States must be cautious in its words and actions regarding the Taiwan issue and must not send wrong signals to forces seeking Taiwan's independence."

Regarding the visit of Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Jia-long to the Philippines, he warned, "We resolutely oppose relevant countries providing a stage for political expression to those seeking Taiwan's independence," and urged them to "stop playing with fire on the Taiwan issue."

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