Beijing, Taipei trade barbs over history

China and Taiwan clashed over their competing interpretations of history in an escalating war of words over what Beijing views as provocations from Taiwan's government, and said it is impossible to "invade" what is already Chinese land.

- 

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has stepped up military and political pressure over the past five years. China has an especial dislike of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, calling him a “separatist.” Mr Lai has since Sunday given two speeches in what will be a series of 10 on “uniting the country”, saying that Taiwan is “of course a country” and China has no legal or historical right to claim it.

Speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing yesterday, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said any “independence provocations” from Mr Lai and his administration will face “resolute countermeasures”.