BEIJING, March 28. /TASS/. Separatist activity in Taiwan reduces the probability of mainland China's peaceful reunification with the island, Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesman Wu Qian said at a briefing.

"The more unrestrained the separatist activities of [supporters of] Taiwan's independence are, the fewer opportunities there are for peaceful reunification," the spokesman said. He emphasized that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will continue to improve army training and combat readiness, and will "defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity with unwavering determination."

Wu Qian pointed out that the course of peaceful reunification and the principle of "one country, two systems" is Beijing's basic attitude in resolving the Taiwan issue and the best approach to reunifying the mainland with the island.

In early March, the Chinese government submitted its annual report on the second session of the 14th National People's Congress. It said Beijing remains committed to the one China principle and will resolutely oppose separatism and foreign interference in its affairs. However, the document lacked the traditional language on peaceful reunification with the island.

Taiwan, China’s largest island, 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, which is supported by most countries, including Russia, Taiwan is one of China’s provinces.