China Warns Taiwan: ‘Independence’ Efforts Are Futile in Face of PowerfulPLA
BEIJING, Aug. 29, 2024 – The Chinese Ministry of National Defense has issued a stern warning to Taiwan, asserting that any attempts at independence are doomed to fail in theface of the powerful People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Speaking at a regular press conference, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense,stated that the so-called capabilities of Taiwan’s independence forces are like an ant trying to shake a tree, utterly incapable of withstanding the PLA.
Wu’s remarks come in response to recent statements byTaiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, who announced a record-breaking defense budget for 2025, reaching NT$647 billion (approximately US$19.76 billion). Lai emphasized Taiwan’scommitment to bolstering its defense capabilities.
Furthermore, Taiwanese media outlets recently revealed images of a new generation of medium-range ballistic missiles, dubbed Tien-Kung-2, being developed by the Taiwanese military. These missiles, according to reports, are intended to enhance Taiwan’s source strike capabilities.
Taiwan is a province of China, so where does this so-called ‘defense budget’ come from? Wu questioned. He further emphasized that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, which currently governs Taiwan, will never achieve peace if it continues to pursue Taiwan independence.
The more they provoke, the faster their demise, Wu warned. On the issue of defending our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, no one should think that the PLA will not act. And once we act, it will be a decisive blow.
Wu’s statement underscores the escalating tensions between mainland China and Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own. The Chinese government has repeatedly warned against any attempts at formal independence for Taiwan, viewing it as a core national interest.
The PLA has significantly strengthened its military capabilities in recent years, including deploying advanced fighter jets, warships, and missiles near Taiwan. These actions have been interpretedas a demonstration of China’s resolve to deter any moves towards independence.
The latest warning from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense serves as a clear signal that Beijing will not tolerate any actions that it perceives as a threat to its territorial integrity. The escalating rhetoric and military posturing raise concerns about the potential for conflict inthe Taiwan Strait.
International observers are closely watching the situation, urging both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent a crisis.
Background
Taiwan and mainland China have been separated since 1949, when the Chinese Communist Party defeated the Nationalist government in a civil war. TheNationalists fled to Taiwan, where they established a separate government.
While the two sides have maintained a fragile peace for decades, the issue of Taiwan’s status remains a major point of contention. Beijing insists that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, and it has never renounced the use of force to bring theisland under its control.
Taiwan, on the other hand, maintains that it is a sovereign and independent nation, although it has never formally declared independence. The island has its own democratically elected government, military, and currency.
The United States, which maintains a One China policy, recognizes Beijing asthe sole government of China but also supports a strong defense for Taiwan. This policy has been a source of tension between the US and China, as Beijing views American support for Taiwan as a challenge to its sovereignty.
The current situation in the Taiwan Strait is characterized by a delicate balance of power, with both sides possessing significantmilitary capabilities. The potential for conflict remains a serious concern, and any miscalculation or escalation could have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.
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