From Reuters:
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou vowed on Tuesday that no war would break out with long-time political rival China, which considers the self-ruled island as part of its territory, during his term in office.
China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949 and has vowed to bring the island back under its rule, by force if necessary.
Ma’s government has held historic talks with Beijing and set up new trade and transit links since he took office in May, following decades of hostility.
He said he was confident war would be averted, his office quoted him as saying after a speech to military leaders.
On the same day Ma made his announcement, a Chinese envoy visiting the island was attacked by pro-independence protesters. See CDT’s post (with video) here.
