China said Monday that it would never tolerate any separatist schemes for self-ruled Taiwan and would safeguard China's territorial integrity with the aim of "reunification" with an island it considers its sacred territory.
Premier Li Keqiang issued the warning in a speech at the opening of the annual session of China's largely rubber-stamp parliament, his stern words coming amid mounting Chinese anger over a U.S. bill that seeks to raise official contacts between Washington and Taipei.
On Friday, China said Taiwan would only get burned if it sought to rely on foreigners, adding to the warnings from state media about the risk of war.
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