US wants peaceful China-Taiwan resolution

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States wants a peaceful resolution to tensions between China and Taiwan, the White House said, after a report that Beijing had given Taipei 20 years to fold or face military action.

"We believe in peaceful dialogue concerning cross-strait relations between Taiwan and China," said White House national security spokesman Sean McCormack. "A peaceful resolution is the only kind of resolution to this issue."

A Beijing-backed Hong Kong newspaper, quoting mainland military sources, said Taiwan must re-enter the Chinese fold or face military action in the next 20 years.

In response to Taiwan's recent "pro-independence provocation," Beijing gave what was believed to be the first ultimatum to reclaim sovereignty over the island, the report in Wen Wei Po said.

Asked about the report, McCormack said that the United States opposes independence for Taiwan and supports its reunification with the mainland, but will keep its promise under a US law to sell Continue reading the remaining 50% ...