Threat to Taiwan

Beijing

The Chinese government this week authorized the use of force to prevent any area from seceding, a move seen as a warning to Taiwan. The new law, which is virtually certain to be passed, says that China can deploy the military if the government believes that Taiwan is moving toward independence—even if Taiwan has taken no formal legal action. While China wants to “achieve reunification” with the breakaway island by peaceful means, the law says, it can resort to “nonpeaceful means” if necessary. Taiwan, which has governed itself since 1949, said the law “exposes China’s plot to impose armed force to swallow up Taiwan.”

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