Type 98 main battle tanks of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force. (Photo : PLA)
One of the newspapers of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has for the third time urged China to invade Taiwan or the Republic of China and dismiss peaceful reunification.
The strident calls for bloody action is the third made by the newspaper, the most inflammatory among the mouthpieces owned by the CPC, was triggered by Donald Trump's phone conversation with Taiwan President Tsai Ing- wen two weeks ago.
The tabloid, which has made a name for itself by its hate-filled denunciations of the U.S., said in an editorial that China should prepare to invade Taiwan.
"It might be time for the Chinese mainland to reformulate its Taiwan policy, make the use of force as a main option and carefully prepare for it," said the tabloid.
China might "introduce a series of new Taiwan polices, and may not prioritize peaceful reunification over a military takeover if Trump (insists) on his provocations."
The tabloid calls on China to make rapid preparations for a cross strait attack, and warned any step towards formal independence by Taiwan could result in consequences inimical to Taiwan..
"Once Taiwan independence forces violate the Anti-Secession Law, the Chinese mainland can in no time punish them militarily," said the editorial.
"Getting ready to achieve reunification through the use of force can pose a serious deterrence to Taiwan independence.
"The military status quo across the Taiwan Straits needs to be reshaped as a response and punishment to the current administration."
The U.S. severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1979 after adopting the "One China" policy in 1972 that recognized Beijing as the sole Chinese state despite the existence of two governments. The avoidance of any personal communication between the presidents of both countries is because of the One China policy.
Trump's phone conversation with President Tsai, which the White House said was made by Ms Tsai, is the first between a U.S. president or president-elect and a Taiwanese president in over three decades.
Trump administration officials confirmed the president-elect did speak with President Tsai. They said Trump "noted the close economic, political, and security ties" between Taiwan and the United States.
Trump later tweeted: "The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!
"Interesting how the US sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call."
Trump said it was hypocritical for Washington to provide Taipei with weapons but prevent the U.S. and Taiwanese leaders from communicating.
Taiwanese officials said President Tsai did congratulate Trump on his election victory, and also shared her ideas on other matters such as Taiwan's domestic economy and national defense. The U.S. is legally bound by treaties to defend Taiwan in the event of war with China.
"The two briefly exchanged views on affairs in Asia," said the office of Ms Tsai in a statement.
Trump later suggested the U.S. scrap the One China Policy.
"I fully understand the One China policy, but I don't know why we have to be bound by a One China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade," he said.
