China asked the UN on Thursday not to underestimate its “firm will” on Taiwan, while assuring that Beijing prefers a peaceful “reunification”, AFP and Agerpres write

Xi JinpingPhoto: Li Gang / Xinhua News / Profimedia Images

From the podium of the UN General Assembly, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng reiterated China’s position that Taiwan is an “integral part” of China.

“No one should underestimate the strong determination, firm will and power of the Chinese people to guarantee their sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

“Achieving the complete reunification of China is the aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation,” the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China emphasized.

“We will continue to work for a peaceful reunification with great sincerity and effort,” he added.

Almost all powers recognize Beijing, not Taipei, but the US is the island’s strongest ally and, in particular, provides significant military support.

Some US officials have expressed concern about China’s desire to seize the island by force, especially if Taiwan formally declares independence.

Experts believe that Beijing can learn lessons from Ukraine a year and a half after the Russian invasion.

Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, China is trying to position itself as a neutral country, despite the declared support of the Kremlin.

Han Zheng called for “the cessation of hostilities and the resumption of peace talks” regarding Ukraine.

“China supports all efforts leading to a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, and is ready to continue playing a constructive role” in favor of peace, he assured.

Earlier this week, China’s vice president met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in a new attempt to ease the stormy relationship between the two countries.