China has in a strong statement warned that attempts by Taiwan to seek independence from Beijing "Means war".
China sees democratic Taiwan as a breakaway province, but Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state.
"We are seriously telling those Taiwan independence forces: those who play with fire will burn themselves, and Taiwan independence means war," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said at a press conference on Thursday.
The new US administration is expected to maintain pressure on China over a wide range of issues including human rights, trade disputes, Hong Kong and Taiwan, amid the deteriorating relationship between the two powers.
China is not a nation with a history of expeditionary military confrontation far beyond what it regards as its borders - except when it comes to Taiwan.
Beijing has long tried to limit Taiwan's international activities and both have vied for influence in the Pacific region.
In January 2020 Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen told the BBC that China needed to respect the will of Taiwanese people.
Friday, January 29, 2021
China warns Taiwan independence 'means war' as US pledges support
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