Always at least simmering on the back burner, relations heated up a bit between China and Taiwan as a Taiwanese official called proposed Chinese legislation a potential legal foundation for attack.
Taiwan condemned China’s proposed anti-secession law on Saturday, calling it a move to establish a legal basis to attack the island.
Chinese state media said on Friday that Beijing planned to send the draft law for deliberation during a parliament session on Dec. 25-29. It was seen as a move to head off a formal declaration of Taiwan independence from the mainland.
“They are looking for a legal basis to invade Taiwan,” said Chiu Tai-san, vice chairman and spokesman for the Mainland Affairs Council, which sets policy toward Taiwan’s arch-rival.
“If they want to punish or invade Taiwan they must have some legal basis to make it okay to attack,” Chiu said.
China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has threatened war if the self-governing, democratic island declares statehood.
The official Xinhua news agency did not say why China was enacting an anti-secession law instead of the tougher reunification law it had floated earlier. That law would have bound a Chinese leader to order an attack on Taiwan if the island formally declared nationhood.
China should be very careful with this legislation, as they may be codifying a means by which Taiwan could maneuver them into a war, if only for the Chinese to save face. Though they are working to upgrade and enhance their forces, it is doubtful that China currently has the air and naval capabilities to attack and bring about a successful conclusion before the impact of U.S. assistance to Taiwan is felt. A failed assault by China could possibly serve to strengthen Taiwan’s position in international circles while weakening China’s at home.