Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense, Li Shangfu, delivered a resolute message regarding Taiwan's status at the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Emphasizing that Taiwan's reunification with China is a core interest, Li warned that the Chinese military would not hesitate to act if anyone attempted to separate Taiwan from China.
He also called on the United States to match its words with actions and work towards stabilizing the relationship between the two armies.
Speaking at the security dialogue, Li declared that the Taiwan question was an internal affair of China, and any attempts to challenge the One China principle were both absurd and dangerous.
He underlined China's determination to counter separatist activities related to Taiwan independence, asserting that foreign interference would inevitably fail.
Li emphasized that China must and will be reunified, aligning with the aspirations of the Chinese people and the current global trend.
While China seeks peaceful reunification, Li made it clear that the country would not renounce the use of force if necessary.
He unequivocally stated that if anyone dared to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military would swiftly and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, irrespective of the cost involved.
Li's remarks came in the backdrop of increasing tensions between China and the United States. The US has been vocal about the perceived "China threat" and criticized China for rejecting a potential meeting between the two countries' defense ministers.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry highlighted the reasons behind the difficulties in China-US military dialogue, calling for sincerity and concrete actions from the US to stabilize the relationship between their armies.
Li further emphasized that the China-US relationship held global significance and that the international community desired a sound and stable bilateral relationship. He called on the US to act with sincerity, align its actions with its words, and collaborate with China to prevent a deterioration of the military ties.
Li stressed the importance of handling differences appropriately, overcoming challenges, and finding a path to peaceful coexistence between China and the US.
Addressing the South China Sea issue, Li acknowledged the collective efforts of regional countries in maintaining stability in the area and fostering regional exchanges and cooperation.
However, he expressed concern about non-regional countries exercising hegemony over navigation in the name of freedom of navigation, potentially causing disruptions. Li called on regional nations to remain vigilant and reject such acts firmly.
Li also highlighted the deep connections between China and ASEAN countries, based on geography, culture, and familial bonds. While acknowledging occasional disagreements among neighboring countries, he emphasized ongoing communication and consultation for resolving differences.
Li cautioned against external countries inciting discord and escalating conflicts, urging clear-headedness and level-headedness in evaluating risks and benefits. He expressed optimism about the prospects for regional peace and cooperation.
Li's remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue reaffirmed China's unwavering stance on Taiwan and emphasized the need for sincere dialogue and stability in China-US military relations. The defense minister's comments underscored China's determination to protect its core interests while seeking peaceful resolutions to regional issues and promoting cooperation among neighboring nation.