Morning Star Online
CHINA warned Taiwan today that it would take “drastic measures” should the island cross any of its red lines and press for independence.
“If separatist forces in Taiwan seeking independence provoke, exert force or even break through any red line, we will have to take drastic measures,” Chinese government spokesman Ma Xiaoguang told a press conference.
He added that he expected provocations and “external intervention” over Taiwan to intensify over the coming months.
“Next year, the Taiwan Strait situation will become more complex and severe,” he said.
Mr Ma said that China sought peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but would act should it continue to press separatist aims.
Tensions between Beijing and Taipei are at their highest for more than 40 years, Taiwanese officials have said. China has meanwhile accused the US of deliberate provocations aimed at undermining its sovereignty.
Last year Washington approved arms sales to Taipei worth $1.8 billion (£1.3bn), including mobile rocket launchers and 135 precision-guided cruise missiles.
It has sent a number of high-ranking officials to the self-governing island, which has…
