Prosperity vow as China warns Taiwanese separatists

China vowed zero tolerance for "separatist activities" in Taiwan and reaffirmed it would take it by force if necessary.

The warning from Beijing came after days of unprecedented Chinese military drills around the island sparked by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's controversial trip.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office yesterday issued a white paper laying out how it intends to claim the island through a range of economic incentives and military pressure.

"We are ready to create vast space for peaceful reunification, but we will leave no room for separatist activities in any form," said the paper.

China will "not renounce the use of force and we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures."

It added: "We will only be forced to take drastic measures to respond to the provocation of separatist elements or external forces should they ever cross our red lines."

China last issued a white paper on Taiwan in 2000.

Its release came on the same day a top Taiwan opposition politician flew to the mainland for meetings with Taiwanese businesspeople, prompting condemnation from Taipei.

Andrew Hsia Li-yan, deputy chairman of the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang, traveled to China in an unofficial capacity and did not visit the Chinese capital.

But President Tsai Ing-wen's party criticized him for traveling across the Taiwan Strait as Chinese military drills continued around the island.

The Chinese white paper promised Taiwan economic prosperity as well as "greater security and dignity" after "reunification."

But that offer comes in the shadow of the biggest military exercises China has ever conducted around the island, including training for a blockade. The exercises were initially expected to conclude on Monday, but continued on.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and his five top officials issued statements in support of the white paper and said peaceful reunification as well as one country, two systems are basic principles to resolve the Taiwan issue.

"Hong Kong rode out the destruction and threats brought by riots and 'Hong Kong independence fueled by external forces some three years ago," Lee said, referring to the anti-fugitive protests in 2019.

He said the city has gone from disarray to good governance and is advancing to a new stage to become more prosperous.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki, finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po, justice chief Paul Lam Ting-kwok, constitutional and mainland affairs chief Erick Tsang Kwok-wai said authorities will continue to faithfully implement one country, two systems and safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and development interests. Security chief Chris Tang Ping-keung vowed to fully cooperate with Beijing's measures.