evidence: Taiwan is an island that has for all practical purposes been independent since 1950, but which China regards as a rebel region that must be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary. [...] The move angered Beijing, which issued a statement after the results insisting that "Taiwan is part of China". While Beijing has called for "peaceful reunification", it has also not ruled out the use of force. [...] 2024 - Taiwanese voters choose pro-sovereignty candidate William Lai as president. The move angers Beijing, which issues a statement after the results insisting that "Taiwan is part of China".