China will resist Taiwanese independence to the end, Chinese Defence

Singapore: Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe warned, ‘If someone tries to separate Taiwan from China, China will resist with all its might and till the very end. There is no other option for China. No one should make a mistake of underestimating the resolve and the capabilities of the Chinese defence forces to maintain regional integrity.’ The Chinese Defence Minister, while issuing a warning over Taiwan during the security-related Shangri-La conference, also asserted that China had made significant progress in nuclear weapons manufacturing.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin openly mentioned the Chinese threat to Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific sector while speaking at the Shangri-La meeting on Saturday. The US Secretary of Defence expressed concerns that China could start a war to control Taiwan. Austin pointed out that China has made aggressive claims regarding the Indo-Pacific sector, and the Chinese activities are increasing the tension in the industry. An aggressive reply has been received from China over the Taiwan issue raised, and the warning by the Chinese Defence Minister is a part of the same thing.

Chinese Defence Minister warned, ‘Some countries are using the Taiwan card to interfere in internal Chinese matters. But no one can stop the integration of Taiwan into China. The end will not be good for those supporting Taiwanese independence with the intention of dividing China.’ General Fenghe also warned that the United States should not try to target and stop China or rock any Chinese interests. At this time, General Fenghe also mentioned the Chinese nuclear capabilities.

Defence Minister General Fenghe said, ‘China has been developing its nuclear prowess over the last years. China has made significant progress in its nuclear capabilities. There has been no change in the Chinese policies regarding this. China will not use nuclear weapons first. Chinese nuclear weapons are for self-defence.’ He also advised that the US-China relations are on a decisive turn and the responsibility for improving them lies with the United States.

China claims Taiwan to be sovereign Chinese territory. China has warned that if the pro-democracy groups continue to incite China and cross their limits, China does not have an option but to take decisive action. China believes that the countries cooperating with China should respect the ‘One China Policy’ and should not have any diplomatic or military cooperation with Taiwan. But without paying any heed to this Chinese arrogance, the US defence department has maintained military cooperation with Taiwan. Infuriated with this, China has, even in the past, threatened the United States with military action.