BEIJING, July 27 -- Taiwan's security depends on the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and peace across the Strait is incompatible with "Taiwan independence", said a Chinese defense spokesperson at a regular press conference on Thursday.
Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Defense, made the remarks when asked to comment on the recent moves made by the US concerning China's Taiwan region.
According to media reports, the US recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which included accelerating the provision of asymmetric weapons to Taiwan and inviting the island to participate in the Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Besides, the US reached an agreement with Taiwan on selling its ground-to-air missile systems to the region at their "Monterey Talks" in early July.
In respond, Defense Spokesperson Snr. Col. Tan said that the US side has gone back on its own words in the August 17th communiqué by selling arms to Taiwan frequently over a long period and intensifying its military ties with the region.
"These outrageous actions have seriously harmed China's national sovereignty and security, gravely threatened peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and exposed the relations between the two countries and the two militaries to major strategic risks. China has expressed its serious concern and firm opposition," said the spokesperson.
Snr. Col. Tan said that any word and deed advocating stronger military ties between the US and Taiwan region, and selling arms to the latter will only aggravate the tension across the Strait and the risk of conflict and confrontation, and will essentially spell disaster for the island. "We urge the US side to stop its arms sales to and military ties with Taiwan, and refrain from repeating its mistakes on the Taiwan question," said the spokesperson," said Snr. Col. Tan.
Facts have proved that "Taiwan independence" and foreign interference pose the greatest threat to cross-Strait peace and stability, and to the benefits and wellbeing of Taiwan people, the spokesperson noted, adding that the Chinese PLA will keep a close eye on the situation across the Taiwan Strait, and continue to take resolute and forceful measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
