BEIJING, (Reuters) – China will take drastic measures if Taiwan moves toward independence. A Beijing official said Wednesday that China would do so. He also warned Taiwan’s provocations and interference could escalate next year.

China claims Taiwan is democratically administered by Taiwan and has increased diplomatic and military pressure in recent years to support its sovereignty claim. This angers Taipei as well as Washington.

China would do its best to reach peaceful reunification between Taiwan and China, however, Ma Xiaoguang (spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office) stated at a media briefing that China was open to doing so if necessary.

Ma stated that if separatist forces seeking Taiwan independence incite, exert force, or break through any red lines, then we must take extreme measures.

Taiwan is a significant factor in tensions between Taiwanese and American relations, because it is the United States’ most important foreign backer and arms supplier.

China often refers to the island as one of the most delicate issues in its relations with the United States.

Ma stated that provocation by pro independence forces and external intervention could become “sharper, more intense,” in the coming months.

He stated that the Taiwan Strait situation would become even more complicated and serious next year.

Beijing sent numerous air missions to Taiwan Strait over recent months in an effort to pressurize Taiwan. The Chinese government has repeatedly threatened to retaliate.

Although the United States only recognizes one China, the law requires Taiwan to be provided with defense resources. The United States has long practiced a strategy of strategic ambiguity on whether to intervene militarily to safeguard Taiwan against an attack from China.

In 1949, after having lost a civil war against the Communists and establishing the People’s Republic of China, the defeated Republic of China government fled Taiwan.