By Liu Chuntao and Cai Shuya
SINGAPORE, June 3 -- Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun delivered a speech on China's approach to global security at the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue on June 2. In the subsequent Q&A session, Admiral Dong issued a stern warning on the Taiwan question and stressed that anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction.
Admiral Dong systematically expounded on the historical and legal basis of the Taiwan question, reiterating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. He pointed out that Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times, and this is beyond doubt historically, legally, and factually. Admiral Dong cited international instruments such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to illustrate that Taiwan being part of China is supported by international law.
Admiral Dong stressed that anyone who dares to split Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction. He pointed out that "Taiwan independence" forces are unilaterally changing the status quo that there is only one China in the world, and such behavior will lead to their own destruction. He said that since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities came to power, it has denied the 1992 Consensus, amended the "constitution" and "laws", falsified textbooks, and carried out large-scale military buildup. All these actions are challenging the bottom line of the Chinese mainland.
"In the face of the powerful People's Liberation Army (PLA), all separatist actions by the 'Taiwan independence' forces are delusional and doomed to fail," said the defense minister, adding that the PLA has the strength and is well-prepared to deal with any "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The defense minister reiterated in the end that China adheres to the policy of peaceful reunification and will do its utmost to achieve this goal. He called on the "Taiwan independence" forces to give up their illusions and return to the right path of national reunification.
