ISLAMABAD: A Chinese defense ministry stated on Thursday that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will steadfastly protect the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, leaving no room for “Taiwan independence” separatist activities in any form.
Statement of China’s defense ministry
Tan Kefei, a Chinese defense ministry spokesperson, stated these comments in response to a press inquiry about the US’s recent provocative actions, which have heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Tan stated that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities’ provocative actions to collude with external forces in seeking “Taiwan independence,” as well as their obstinate dedication to stand on the opposite side of the Chinese nation’s fundamental interests, are the root cause of rising Strait tensions.
Tan went on to say that the PLA’s military operations in response to secessionist activities and external interference seeking “Taiwan independence” are justified.
He stated that Taiwan is China’s Taiwan and that the Taiwan issue is purely a Chinese internal matter and the core of China’s core interests, emphasizing that the Taiwan issue is the 1st red line that cannot be crossed in China and US relations.
Tan stated that China strongly opposes military contact and any form of official exchanges between the US and Taiwan, and that the US should not elevate its substantive relations with Taiwan in any way. He also urged the US to abandon its attempt to contain China through Taiwan, as well as its “salami tactics” and further action on the Taiwan issue.
