Beijing on Wednesday said it will do all it can to strive for a peaceful reunification with Taiwan, though it warned that it would have to resort to ‘assertive measures’ if separatists and external forces ‘cross the red line’.

Asked about the potential use of force at a press conference in the capital, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office, stressed that reunification is ‘inevitable’ but the central government is committed to doing so peacefully.

“I would like to reiterate that… we are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost efforts,” Ma said.

“We have to make it clear. Our determination in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering. We will not allow anyone or any forces to violate the motherland’s sacred territory,” he added.

The official said ‘One Country, Two Systems’ is a peaceful, democratic and well-intentioned proposal that would be a win-win solution.

“After a peaceful reunification, the implementation of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ will thoroughly take into account Taiwan’s actual situation. We will listen to views and suggestions from both sides of the strait, and take care of the interests and emotions of our Taiwan comrades,” he said.

Ma said under the model, Taiwan could maintain a different social system than the mainland that ensured their way of life was respected, though this would be "under the precondition of ensuring national sovereignty, security, and development interests". (Additional reporting by agencies)