Premier Li says China opposes Taiwan independence

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at a news conference following the closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China March 15, 2019. REUTERS/Jason Lee

BEIJING (Reuters) - China maintains a "one-China" policy and opposes independence for Taiwan, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday at his annual news conference. China claims self-ruled and proudly democratic Taiwan as its sacred territory, and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under Beijing's control. (Reporting by Ryan Woo and Kevin Yao; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Darren Schuettler)