China toughens tone on Taiwan at National People’s Congress

The Chinese government on Thursday toughened its rhetoric towards the democratic island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory.

Beijing will “resolutely fight separatist forces” and oppose any external interference, according to the government work report presented by Premier Li Qiang at the opening of the annual National People’s Congress.

The report also said that China will advance the “cause of national reunification.”

A year ago, the wording was less forceful. At that time, Beijing said it would “resolutely oppose separatist activities aimed at ‘Taiwan independence’ and external interference.”

Taiwan has had an independent government since 1949, but China considers self-governing democracy part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to take the island by force if it takes formal steps toward independence.

Beijing considers the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which governs Taiwan, as separatist.