China Threatens Forceful Measures to Halt Taiwan Independence if Declared

Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe has warned that those who attempt to separate Taiwan from China will be "torn to shreds and self-destruct." This statement was made during the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore, as reported by RTHK.

Wei accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan of "destabilization." He noted that external forces are employing a "salami-slicing" approach by continuing to mask the "One China" principle, pushing through legislation related to Taiwan, and persisting in arms sales to the island. They aim to use Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province, to constrain the People's Republic of China (PRC), thereby putting "Taiwan in danger."

Wei emphasized that Beijing has always remained committed to peaceful reunification, but that vision is disrupted by Taipei's aspirations for independence along with external influences.

“The Chinese military has always been an indomitable and powerful force” and will undertake "timely and decisive actions" to deter pro-independence forces in Taiwan and “ensure that these efforts never succeed,” he threatened.

China views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory. Taipei, which declared independence in 1949, categorically rejects the "one country, two systems" model promoted by Beijing since the 1980s. The Ministry of National Defense of the PRC has already stated that the leadership in Taiwan is approaching a "dangerous threshold of war" due to the blatant promotion of the two-state theory. “This is a real game with fire, and those who play with fire will burn themselves,” they said.

A new president, Lai Ching-te, was inaugurated in Taiwan in May. Beijing has warned that his election will be interpreted as a choice in favor of war.