China sees “grim” situation in relations with Taiwan this year

“BEIJING, Jan 21 (Reuters) – Relations
between China and Taiwan this year will be “even more complex and grim”
and Beijing will resolutely oppose any form of separatist activity, a
senior Chinese official said, but added China would also maintain peace
and stability.

Yu
Zhengsheng, the ruling Communist Party’s fourth ranked leader, was
speaking at an annual work conference on policy towards the self-ruled
island. His comments came in the wake of concerns that, under a new
presidency, the United States is shifting its stance toward Taiwan.

U.S.
President Donald Trump, who was inaugurated on Friday,  broke with
decades of precedent last month by taking a congratulatory telephone
call from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.

That,
along with subsequent comments by Trump that the “one China” policy was
up for negotiation, has infuriated Beijing, which views Taiwan as a
wayward province, to be brought under its control by force if necessary.

Proudly democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being run by China.”

…