China pledges peaceful reunification with Taiwan while Taiwan urges respect for its democracy

China’s Premier Li Keqiang pledged peaceful reunification with Taiwan while also opposing Taiwan’s independence.

Taiwan responded by urging China to respect its commitment to democracy and freedom.

Li stated that Beijing would promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, without directly threatening military action.

Most Taiwanese citizens have shown no interest in being ruled by China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council responded by calling on China to deal with cross-strait affairs in a pragmatic, rational, equal, and mutually respectful manner.

The tension between China and Taiwan is expected to dominate Taiwan’s 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.