Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang emphasized that the Taiwan question is treated as a red line by Chinese officials, signaling that the United States should refrain from any interference in how it is resolved. He expressed these views during a press conference held by China’s top legislative and negotiating body amid this week’s national sessions in Beijing. The statement reflects Beijing’s clear policy stance on Taiwan and its expectation that Washington honors this positional boundary. (Attribution: official briefings and state media summaries)
Qin described the Taiwan issue as something that directly touches China’s core interests and described it as a red line that cannot be crossed in Beijing’s relations with Washington. He underscored that the central government will not accept any actions that would alter the status quo on Taiwan and insisted that the U.S. should avoid interceding in China’s domestic affairs. The minister’s remarks mirror Beijing’s insistence on safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of external pressures. (Attribution: policy statements from the press conference)
During the briefing, Qin asserted that discussions with the United States on Taiwan occur because Beijing requires non interference in China’s internal matters. He framed dialogue with Washington as necessary to convey Beijing’s position clearly while urging practical support for peaceful avenues toward reunification. The tone stressed that peaceful reunification remains a long-standing objective, with Beijing offering goodwill and seeking constructive engagement while maintaining firm principles. (Attribution: ministerial briefing notes)
Qin also reiterated that the Central Government will continue to advocate for peaceful reunification with Taiwan, framing mainland China and its people as closely linked with those on Taiwan. He spoke of shared heritage and blood ties as a basis for a peaceful, mutually acceptable resolution, while reiterating China’s commitment to showing goodwill in pursuit of reconciliation. (Attribution: official remarks)
The dialogue, he noted, will persist as part of China’s broader approach to cross-strait relations, with an emphasis on stability, regional peace, and the avoidance of actions that might escalate tensions. Although 2023 has seen heightened attention to security and political dynamics in the Taiwan Strait, Beijing’s position remains grounded in the preference for peaceful means and a steadfast stance on sovereignty. (Attribution: session summaries)
The Taiwan question traces its modern contours to 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was established on the mainland and the Kuomintang retreated to Taiwan. Beijing reiterates the one China principle, asserting that both the PRC and the Republic of China cannot be recognized simultaneously. The issue of sovereignty continues to influence regional security, especially in light of exchanges and visits involving American officials to Taiwan in recent years, which Beijing views as provocative and not in line with one China policy. (Attribution: historical and policy context)