China has repeatedly demanded a halt to weapons sales to Taiwan by the United States, its most important international backer, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.
Wednesday’s remarks came after the US State Department urged China last week to talk to Taiwan and halt its military and other pressure on the island, after Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun met President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
China refuses to speak to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, calling him a “separatist.” Lai rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.
“PATH OF PEACE”
Cheng said she aimed to foster peace with her visit, when China unveiled measures it said would benefit Taiwan, such as easing controls on exports of food, though it did not cease regular military activities around the island during her trip.
Taiwan’s government says it should be leading engagement efforts with China rather than private party-to-party contacts.
Cheng, whose visit was a month before one planned by US President Donald Trump, hopes China and the United States can reconcile and cooperate.
“We can definitely go down the path of peace,” Cheng, the chairwoman of Taiwan’s largest opposition party, the Kuomintang, told a Taiwan radio station on Wednesday.
“This is the important message I hope to send to Washington.”
China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, but says it prefers “peaceful reunification”, a message it has ramped up in recent weeks.
Chen hoped Taiwan’s people would see the advantages of such a step, from cheaper living costs to sprucing up aged housing.
“In short, national reunification is not only a great moral cause, but also of great benefit,” he added.
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