China's Central Military Commission Vice Chairman, Zhang Youxia, said during a speech at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Monday that Taiwan is a core interest of China, and the "One China" principle is the international consensus. Zhang also said that any attempt to separate Taiwan from China would meet a firm response from the Chinese military.
In response, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement, saying that in recent years, major countries and international summits have repeatedly stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for global security and prosperity. The ministry added that China, often positioning itself as a major power, should shoulder the international responsibilities and obligations that come with such a status. It said that China's continued threats to use force against Taiwan only heighten opposition from Taiwanese people and the international community as well as endanger regional peace and stability.
Ministry Spokesperson Jeff Liu (劉永健) said that Zhang’s remarks confirm that China is a country prone to military aggression, causing trouble in the Taiwan Strait and disrupting regional peace.
The ministry says that the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name, and the People's Republic of China are two separate entities and that The People's Republic of China has never ruled Taiwan. It says that no country has the right to unilaterally negate Taiwan's sovereign status through statements or joint declarations with other nations.