TAIWAN INDEPENDENCE WILL BE CRUSHED ‘AT ALL COSTS’–CHINA OFFICIAL

CHINA will not compromise on Taiwan, even at the expense of another civil war and while the world still battles two simultaneous wars—the Covid-19 pandemic and Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe did not mince words when it comes to Taiwan, and lashed at the United States for helping the Taiwan secessionist movement.

Taiwan was recently jolted by the prospect of China attacking the island when Russia invaded Ukraine.

“The United States fought a civil war for its unity. Though China never wants such a civil war, we will resolutely crush any attempt to pursue Chinese independence,” Wei said during his speech at the 19th Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore over the weekend.

“Let me make this clear, if anyone dares to secede Taiwan from China, we will not hesitate to fight. We will fight at all costs, and we will fight until the very end. This is the only choice for China,” he added.

In a veiled reference to the US, the Chinese defense minister said “one country” is violating its onechina policy and “connived and supported the moves of separatist forces for independence.”

He said this country “keeps playing the Taiwan card against China and often cites the Taiwan Relations Act”—a 1979 US law being cited by the Biden Administration recently that allows Washington DC to provide Taiwan with military aid.

Beijing sees Biden’s recent affirmation of support for Taiwan as “interference” in China’s domestic affairs.

The day before Wei’s speech, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the conference that China was engaged in actions that threatened to “undermine security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-pacific.”

“Foreign interference is doomed to fail…i want to make it clear to those who are seeking Taiwan independence and those behind them. The pursuit of Taiwan independence is a dead-end and stop the delusion and soliciting foreign support will never work,” he added.

The defense chief likewise hit Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its independence rhetoric.

“No one can stop China’s path towards reunification. No one should underestimate the resolve and the capabilities of the Chinese armed forces to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Wei said.

Wei stressed that it is the Chinese people’s “greatest wish” to have a peaceful reunification.

“We are still making every effort with the greatest sincerity to delivering peaceful reunification,” he said.