Myanmar’s military, which relies on China, has said it supports reunification between China and Taiwan, describing the issue as China’s internal affair.
Military spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun said the China–Taiwan issue is a domestic matter and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.
In a statement dated December 31, the military council said Myanmar supports China’s intention to reunify with Taiwan. The junta also claimed that Taiwan separatism could undermine regional security and escalate conflicts.
With China’s assistance, Myanmar’s military has regained territories in the north that it had lost to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). It has also sought China’s backing and support for an election that has been widely rejected by the Myanmar public.
Taiwan condemned China’s large-scale military exercises conducted on December 29 and 30, during which Chinese forces carried out blockade-style drills around the island.
China launched the exercises after the United States announced plans to sell military weapons to Taiwan worth US$11.1 million.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his New Year address that China is firmly determined to integrate Taiwan into Chinese territory.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said on January 1 that Taiwan is determined to defend its sovereignty and strengthen its defense capabilities.
