BEIJING, October 30. /TASS/. The People’s Liberation Army will never allow Taiwan to separate from China, Colonel General Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, said.

"The Taiwan issue is at the heart of China’s key interests and the One China principle is the general consensus of the international community," he pointed out at the Tenth Xiangshan Forum on Security. "No matter who tries to somehow separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will never let it happen," the senior military official added.

He also highlighted the need for all countries to respect each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and basic interests. Zhang said that it was unacceptable "to ensure one’s security through the insecurity of others and deliberate provocations against other countries on issues that they find sensitive."

Taiwan has been governed by its local administration since 1949 when the remaining Kuomintang forces led by Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) fled to the island after suffering a defeat in China’s civil war. Since then, Taiwan has preserved the flag and some other symbols of the Republic of China that had existed in mainland China before the Communists came to power. According to Beijing’s official position supported by most countries, including Russia, the island of Taiwan is one of China’s provinces.

The Tenth Xiangshan Forum on Security, titled "Common Security, Lasting Peace," is taking place on October 29-31. Apart from researchers and diplomats, the event has brought together official delegations from over 90 countries. Participants are exchanging views on global and regional security with a focus on Asia, the Middle East and Europe.