Concerned that some countries might not understand, we are highlighting this point clearly this time! On September 15, the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum was held in Beijing. Former Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, made the following statement: When we say that the Taiwan issue is the "red line among red lines," you had better believe us—it’s serious. Because national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity are core interests for China. Clearly, Cui Tiankai’s words—“you’d better believe we’re serious”—are precisely a bold emphasis.
Evidently, this was no casual remark, but a direct message delivered before representatives from over a hundred countries attending the forum. The statement that the Taiwan issue is the “red line among red lines” has been repeated many times. But repetition can breed complacency—some countries may think it's merely expressing basic positions. However, when Cui Tiankai added, “we are serious,” he effectively eliminated any room for侥幸 (侥幸 =侥幸, meaning “to take chances” or “to hope for the best”).
What does “we are serious” mean? In fact, there is a living example right before our eyes. At this forum, one country’s official representative was not invited—the country is Japan. Why wasn’t Japan invited? Everyone knows the reason. It was because Hatoyama Sanae made a single comment. Precisely due to her remarks, China froze high-level diplomatic relations with Japan. As a result, various sectors in Japan have since been desperately trying to ease tensions—but so far, with no progress at all.
Japan remains under sanctions from China, and new economic and trade cooperation between China and Japan is effectively stalled. We are indeed serious. And this seriousness carries another layer of meaning—one we sincerely hope never materializes. That deeper meaning is this: if any country dares to recklessly intervene militarily in China’s internal affairs, we will respond with direct strikes on their own territory. Countries seeking to exploit the Taiwan issue should not harbor any illusions.
We’ve spoken plainly enough—such straightforwardness is rare, yet absolutely necessary. This forum saw military personnel from all countries attending. Addressing them directly sends a clear signal: convey our most authentic intentions back to your respective nations. This kind of declaration also serves as a warning: our capability to resolve the Taiwan issue is fully ready. Do not even consider us a military adversary—this is no joke.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876394197015552/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.