Instead of beating about the bush on the question of Taiwan’s status, Taiwan’s executive head Lai Ching-te recently explicitly declared himself a “worker for Taiwan independence” and claimed that Taiwan is a “sovereign and independent country”.

Such remarks which are repulsive to our ears should serve as a reminder that patriotic people across the Taiwan Straits need to be on high alert against those on the island who harbor the ill intention of splitting it from the motherland.

It is an undeniable fact that Taiwan is part of China. Despite its separation from the motherland for many years, for historical reasons, people across the Straits have long stuck to the consensus that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of it.

The Chinese mainland’s stand on the question of Taiwan could not be clearer. It has made unremitting efforts to promote the peaceful reunification, but it has never ruled out the option of military action if necessary. It is definitely legitimate and justifiable for the mainland to take whatever action it considers appropriate to prevent the country from being torn apart.

Those advocating separatism on the island should never underestimate the resolve of the country’s leaders and the Chinese people to defend every inch of the country’s territorial integrity. The fate of Taiwan should be decided by Chinese compatriots on the island and on the Chinese mainland, never by the will of secessionists.

However, it seems that the United States decision to enact the Taiwan Travel Act, which encourages mutual visits by “officials”, seems to have stirred up a hornet’s nest. Separatists like Lai Ching-te should not take it for granted that their remarks touting “Taiwan independence” will woo them supporters. Nor should they rely on such outside support to achieve their nefarious aims, as they are doomed to failure. They will meet their own political Waterloo if they continue to advocate the path of separatism.

Although Washington may be trying to keep Beijing putting out fires here, there and everywhere, the latter well knows its priorities.

The majority of people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are opposed to their conspiracy, which will only bring people on the island political turmoil, even military conflict, if they persist.