China hopes that Germany will support the peaceful “reunification” of Taiwan – top diplomat
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s top diplomat Wang Yi “hopes and believes” that Germany will support China’s “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, China’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
Wang made the remarks at a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who is visiting China through Saturday, adding that China once supported Germany’s reunification.
“To maintain cross-strait stability, it is necessary to firmly oppose separatist activities related to ‘Taiwan independence,'” Wang said, adding that Taiwan’s “return to China” is an important part of the international order after World War II has been.
Beijing, which claims to have democratically ruled Taiwan as a Chinese province, has never ruled out using force to seize control of the island. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s government has dismissed China’s position, saying only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.
After Tsai returned from Los Angeles, where she met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, China held three days of military drills across Taiwan starting April 8, including simulated precision strikes with bombers and missile troops, infuriating Beijing.
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Wang also said China stands ready to increase exchanges and communications with Germany to enhance mutual understanding and prepare for a new round of Sino-German intergovernmental consultations.
(Reporting by Liz Lee; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and William Mallard)
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