STORY: :: Beijing, China / May 13, 2026
:: China says its resolve to oppose Taiwan independence is 'as firm as a rock' ahead of Trump's visit
:: Zhang Han, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson
"Our resolve to oppose Taiwan independence is as firm as a rock, and our ability to crush separatism is unbreakable."
"There is only one China and Taiwan is part of China. This is an undeniable historical and legal fact that cannot be denied. Taiwan has never been a country, it was not one in the past and it absolutely will not be one in the future. No matter how many times (Taiwan President) Lai Ching-te repeats his lies, a lie told a thousand times remains a lie and can never become the truth."
The issue of democratically governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, and U.S. weapons sales to Taipei is certain to be discussed during two days of meetings this week between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The U.S. is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties. In December, the Trump administration announced an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, the largest ever.
China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, but says its preferred option is "peaceful reunification."
