In Asia, the dose of political tensions between China and Taiwan is rising.  China will attack Taiwan if there is no other way of stopping it from becoming independent, one of the country’s most senior generals said. The 2005 law gives the country the legal basis for military action against Taiwan if it secedes or seems about to, making the narrow Taiwan Strait a potential military flashpoint.

“If the possibility for peaceful reunification is lost, the People's Liberation Army will, with the whole nation, including the people of Taiwan, take all necessary steps to resolutely smash any separatist plots or actions,” Li Zuocheng, chief of the Joint Staff Department and member of the Central Military Commission. “We do not promise to abandon the use of force, and reserve the option to take all necessary measures, to stabilise and control the situation in the Taiwan Strait,” he added.

Li Zhanshu, head of China’s parliament, said they would strive for peaceful solutions, but added that they would punish any action that came against the law adopted in 2005. Taiwan, whose official name is the Republic of China, has stepped up efforts to develop missiles and military systems that will increase its deep offensive capability against China.

Taiwan, which simulates the air strike from China, said it was conducting the exercises as a sign of what it would do to protect sovereignty and national security.

In addition to the elements for the amphibious operation, the PLA continues to pile up the region with long-range artillery rockets, missiles, jets and naval elements.

The Beijing Administration considers Taiwan to be part of its mainland.