China threatens Taiwan again after William Lai wins island's presidential election: “Reunification is inevitable”

China confirmed on Saturday that “reunification” with Taiwan was “inevitable” despite the island's presidential election victory, claimed by Beijing. William Loy (Lai Singh-de), from a traditionally pro-independence party.

He said the referendum would not impede the country's “inexorable trend towards reunification”. Chen BinhuaA spokesman for China's office in charge of relations with Taiwan was quoted by the official agency as saying Xinhua.

Sen warned that China will not tolerate “separatist activities” in Taiwan.

“We will (…) resolutely oppose separatist measures aimed at Taiwan's independenceAs well as foreign interventions,” he added.

Branded by China as a threat to peace, Lai won an unprecedented third consecutive term for Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Defender of the island's democratic way of life.

In a statement released after Lai's victory, Beijing Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said in a statement that China's “inevitable trend of reunification cannot be stopped.” Xinhua.

Chen said the voting results show that the PDP “cannot represent the majority of public opinion in the island”.

Chen also said the referendum “will not change the basic picture and development trend of cross-strait relations”.

Beijing's position is that “the realization of national reunification is stable and our determination is as firm as a rock.”He said, “Taiwan is the Taiwan of China.”

He said Beijing “resolutely opposes separatist activities aimed at Taiwan independence and foreign interference”.

The elections were closely watched as Beijing and Washington, Taiwan's main military partner, vie for influence in the strategically important region.

In a New Year's address, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Taiwan's “unification” with China was “inevitable.”

And ahead of the vote, Beijing warned of a “serious risk” to peace if it followed the “bad path” of independence.

For his part, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken congratulated Taiwan's President-elect Lai Tsing-te on Saturday, He praised the autonomous island's “strong democratic system and electoral process”.

In a statement, Blinken added Washington is “committed to maintaining cross-strait peace and stability.” and for the peaceful settlement of differences without coercion and pressure.”

(With information from AFP)