Harsh Criticism of US Involvement in Taiwan Issue
"No Weapons Will Ever Be Provided to Russia"
Intervention in South China Sea "Will Lead to Burning Death"
Taiwan "Deep Regret Over Provocative and Irrational Remarks"
China's defense chief harshly condemned the United States' involvement in issues concerning its 'core interests,' such as Taiwan and the South China Sea, using strong language, while repeatedly emphasizing that China does not supply weapons to Russia.
On the 2nd (local time), Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe attended the 5th plenary session of the 21st Asia Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue) held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore and delivered a speech on "China's Approach to Global Security." [Photo by Yonhap News]
According to Chinese media including China Central Television (CCTV) on the 2nd, Defense Minister Dong Jun appeared at the 21st Asia Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue) China session that day and said, "China has always respected the legitimate concerns of all countries, and likewise, China's core interests are sacred and inviolable," adding, "Safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the sacred mission of the Chinese military."
Minister Dong stated, "The Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests," and said, "External interference forces are using the 'salami slicing' tactic (cutting a large piece into thin slices to divide it into several parts) to continuously hollow out the 'One China' principle, concoct Taiwan-related legislation, stubbornly sell weapons to Taiwan, and engage in illegal official exchanges." Although he did not directly mention the 'United States,' his criticism was clearly aimed at the U.S.
He said, "In effect, they are encouraging 'Taiwan independence' and attempting to use Taiwan to suppress China. This malicious intent is dragging Taiwan into a dangerous situation," adding, "China has always strived for peaceful reunification, but this prospect is being destroyed by 'Taiwan independence' elements and external forces, and the risk of national division always exists."
He raised his voice, saying, "Anyone who dares to split Taiwan from China will surely have their body and bones shattered to powder (粉身碎骨) and bring about their own destruction."
Regarding the South China Sea issue, which has recently emerged as another conflict factor due to territorial disputes with the Philippines, Minister Dong said, "Some countries (the Philippines), under the instigation of external forces, have broken bilateral agreements with China, violated promises, caused premeditated trouble, created false images to mislead, and even cooperated with the deployment of intermediate-range missiles by external forces (the United States), violating the overall interests of regional countries and the spirit of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Charter."
He said such actions would destroy regional security and stability, warning, "In the end, they will be burned by the fire they set themselves (引火燒身)," and also delivered strong remarks such as, "China has maintained sufficient restraint against infringement and provocative acts, but this also has its limits."
Regarding suspicions that China is militarily supporting Russia, which is engaged in war with Ukraine, Minister Dong reiterated, "We absolutely do not provide weapons," denying the allegations again and emphasizing strict control over the export of dual-use goods (items that can be used for both military and civilian purposes).
He said, "The achievements and stable situation of development in the Asia-Pacific region did not come easily and are the result of the joint efforts of the peoples of the region," adding, "We do not allow hegemonism and power politics to harm the Asia-Pacific region, nor geopolitical conflicts, cold or hot wars to enter the region, nor any country or force to cause war and chaos here."
However, Minister Dong, who agreed on the need for communication between the militaries of the two countries during his first face-to-face meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the 31st of last month, also emphasized managing relations with the United States on this day.
Minister Dong said, "There are differences between the militaries of China and the United States, so we need more exchanges, and even if our paths differ, we must not engage in confrontation," adding, "The key is to value peace, stability, and trust, and for the militaries of both countries to find the right path to coexist, providing more positive predictability for world and regional peace."
Taiwan expressed regret over Minister Dong's high-level remarks on the same day. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, the agency responsible for China affairs, stated in a press release, "We deeply regret the provocative and irrational remarks made by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) official regarding cross-strait (China and Taiwan) relations at the Singapore Shangri-La Dialogue," criticizing, "The CCP's renewed threats of force against Taiwan and neighboring countries have already significantly increased the risk that its ruling regime will shock peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region."
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