US Defense Secretary Mentions Taiwan, China Says "No Compromise or Concession"

China stated that it cannot tolerate any compromise or concession regarding the Taiwan issue in response to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's speech mentioning peace and freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait.

On the 3rd, the Chinese state-run media Global Times reported that Jing Zhenfeng, Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission of China, who attended the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asian security conference held in Singapore, made these remarks to reporters on site.

Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense, is delivering a speech at the 20th Asia Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue) held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on the 3rd.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In his speech, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait. Targeting China, he said, "The Taiwan Strait issue could be fatal." He also stated, "The United States is working to ensure that all countries can freely navigate and operate wherever international law permits. Every country, large or small, should be able to conduct legitimate maritime activities."

In response, Deputy Chief Jing said, "The Taiwan issue is related to China's core interests," and "No compromise or concession can be tolerated." He added, "The Chinese People's Liberation Army is constantly prepared for war and can fight at any time," and "We will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity." He also mentioned that the stability and peace of the Taiwan Strait depend on the safety of commercial shipping routes and the global supply chain.