Luke Allen
Military Political Analyst
Makati, Manila
lukeallenmanila@journalist.com
At the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue conference held in Singapore, China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun issued a strong warning regarding the prospect of reunification with Taiwan, stating that Taiwanese separatists and external forces are increasingly eroding it. Dong emphasized China’s commitment to ensuring Taiwan’s independence never materializes, labeling it a core issue for China.
“The prospect of peaceful reunification with Taiwan is being increasingly eroded by Taiwanese separatists and external forces,” Dong stated during his address at the conference. “Those separatists recently made fanatical statements that show their betrayal of the Chinese nation and their ancestors. They will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history. We will resolutely curb Taiwan’s independence and ensure such a plot never succeeds.”
The Defense Minister’s remarks underscored China’s firm stance on Taiwan, reiterating its long-standing position that Taiwan is an integral part of China and any move towards independence will be met with strong opposition.
China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the strong objections of the government in Taipei, and last month staged war games round the island in anger at the May 20 inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing calls a “separatist”.
Furthermore, Dong Jun warned of the limits to China’s restraint in the South China Sea, indicating that China may take decisive action if its core interests are threatened in the region. He described Taiwan as a “core of core issues” for China, emphasizing the importance of the Taiwan question in China’s national interests.
China has been notably displeased by the United States’ support for Taiwan, mainly through arms sales and military cooperation. Dong Jun criticized the U.S. for selling weapons to Taiwan, characterizing it as a test of China’s “red lines.”
“They are selling a lot of weapons to Taiwan. This kind of behavior sends very wrong signals to the Taiwan independent forces and makes them become very aggressive. We are clear that the foreign power’s true purpose is to use Taiwan to contain China,” Dong remarked.
The Defense Minister’s statements at the Shangri-La Dialogue conference reflect China’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and national sovereignty. As tensions continue to simmer in the region, Taiwan remains a flashpoint in China’s relations with the United States and other regional actors.
The international community will closely monitor developments in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, as China’s assertive posture raises concerns about potential escalation and conflict in these strategically significant areas. Dong Jun’s statements serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Taiwan issue, underscoring the challenges faced in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.