China Threatens Taiwan’s ‘Independence’

The People’s Republic of China said last week that it was preparing to take actions to end the independent status of nearby Taiwan, including a possible use of force. The sharp words came as China launched a number of maneuvers near the island, including overflight of suspected spy balloons.

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun said that China would “forcefully” stop any effort by Taiwan to formally declare independence.

“We have always been open to exchanges and cooperation, but this requires both sides to meet each other halfway,” he said Friday.

Dong met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for discussions during the same event.

“The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has always been an indestructible and powerful force in defense of the unification of the motherland, and it will act resolutely and forcefully at all times to curb the independence of Taiwan and to ensure that it never succeeds in its attempts,” Dong said later.

“Whoever dares to split Taiwan from China will be crushed to pieces and suffer his own destruction,” he added.

Last month Beijing launched a series of military drills that simulated surrounding much of the island nation.

PERSPECTIVE: CHINA’S JOINT SWORD 2024 DRILLS

China conducted two days of military drills around Taiwan, which simulated seizing and controlling the island. Targeting of top Taiwanese officials, rapidly seizing airports and seaports, and capturing smaller outlying islands… pic.twitter.com/PreEQcUTni

— Knightsbridge Research (@KBR_Intel) May 29, 2024

Taiwan has never formally declared independence from China following the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Mainland China still claims Taiwan as a part of its country and considers it a breakaway province. Taiwan, or the Republic of China, considers itself the legitimate government of the whole of China.

Congress passed an aid bill earlier this year that included considerable weaponry for Taiwan.

In addition, possible conflict in or around Taiwan could have considerable impacts on the world’s economy. Despite its size, Taiwan produces much of the world’s supply of microchips.

In the last several years, China has engaged in a considerable arms build-up, which includes significant increases to its defense budget.

Late last year and earlier this year China launched a number of spy balloons over Taiwan. The timing of at least one of the launches came prior to Taiwan’s planned presidential elections. The incidents brought back memories of a spy balloon that transited the continental United States early last year.