China Re-asserts it is against Self-Determination for Taiwan

1.3 billion people in China are resolute and united in their decision that they will never allow self-ruled Taiwan to come under Beijing's 'One China' principle, China's top official in charge of ties with the island said on Thursday, in Beijing's latest blast at Taipei.

Leader Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan's pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party was repeatedly warned by China to join the 'One China' principle but the leader assumed that negative consequences might follow if they decide otherwise.

In an inaugural speech by Tsai on Friday, she urged China to keep aside the baggage of history and engage in a positive dialogue. She added that democratic principles will rule Taiwan's ties with Beijing and peace and unity can be restored.

A meeting took place between Taiwan business representatives where the Head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, Zhang Zhijun said, going against "One China" principle will only create an atmosphere of tension and have a negative influence on the ties.

"There is no future in Taiwan independence, and this cannot become an option for Taiwan's future. This is the conclusion of history," Zhang said.

"Some people say you must pay attention to broad public opinion in Taiwan, and that one can understand the attitude and feelings of Taiwan's people formed by its special historical experiences and social environment," Zhang added.

"But, Taiwan society ought to understand and attach importance to the feelings of the 1.37 billion residents of the mainland," he further added.

In 1949, ever since the defeated Nationalists have fled to Taiwan after a civil war with China's communists, China has regarded Taiwan as a unruly province, to be taken by force if the situation demands so.

Foreign powers intruded and carved off bits of the declining Chinese empire for themselves in the late 19^th and the early 20^th century. People of China still have a painful and deep memory of the period of humiliation and national weakness.

"They have a rock-solid will that has remained consistent towards protecting national unity and not allowing the country to be split," said Zhang.

In response to Zhang's comments, the Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's ministerial agency in charge of ties with China said, Tsai has committed to ensure the status quo in relations with China and to sustain peace and stability.

From 1895-1945, Taiwan was a part of the Japanese colony and gained the control of the island from imperial China. Therefore, China doesn't permit the public discussion of views that will challenge the notion of Taiwan being a fragment of China.

Most of the Taiwanese feel that that the Japanese rule had a positive effect on their land. It brought progress to an undeveloped island where only agriculture prevailed. (Reuters)

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