China's Ambassador to Washington Qin Gang warned of "military conflict" if the United States continues to take moves which Beijing perceives as encouraging Taiwan's independence, in an interview with U.S. media aired Friday.
"If the Taiwanese authorities, emboldened by the United States, keep going down the road for independence, it most likely (will) involve China and the United States, the two big countries, in a military conflict," Qin told National Public Radio, referring to the self-ruled democratic island which China views as its own.
"The Taiwan issue is the biggest tinderbox between China and the United States," the ambassador said.
The radio broadcaster said it was an "unusually" direct statement on the United States and Taiwan, noting that China usually speaks in more general terms, such as saying the United States is "playing with fire."
Washington is committed to its "one China" policy, which recognizes Beijing as the "sole legal government of China," but allows unofficial ties with Taiwan and assistance for the island to maintain sufficient self-defense capability.
Beijing regards Taiwan as a renegade province awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, and has endeavored to bring the democratic territory into its fold.
The administration of President Joe Biden has been urging Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan.
Asked about the prospects of Beijing attacking Taiwan, Qin, who assumed the ambassadorial post in July last year, said the people of mainland China and Taiwan are both Chinese and "the last thing" to do would be to fight with "compatriots."
"We will do our utmost in the greatest sincerity to achieve a peaceful reunification...But...Taiwanese authority is working down the road towards independence, emboldened by the United States."
"So China will not commit to giving up the un-peaceful means for reunification because this is deterrence," the envoy said.
