China has once again resorted to threats against Taiwan, with Beijing promising to "crush" the island's independence forcefully, stated Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun.
The Chinese Defense Minister made the relevant statement at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore. According to him, Beijing is supposedly committed to a "peaceful reunification," but Taiwan's "forces of independence" are hindering this.
He stated that China's military will act decisively to prevent Taiwan's independence and accused Taiwan's government of allegedly undermining Chinese unity.
"Those separatists recently made fanatical statements that show their betrayal of the Chinese nation and their ancestors. They will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history," the Chinese minister said.
Additionally, Jun warned that those who support Taiwan's independence face self-destruction.
Taiwan's reaction
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for the island's policy towards China, condemned the "provocative and irrational" comments by the Chinese minister.
"It is an objective fact that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other, and that is also the status quo in the strait," the statement said.
Taiwan-China conflict
Taiwan considers itself a separate state, while China regards the island as part of its territory. Beijing labels Taiwan's government as separatists and threatens war.
The United States supports Taiwan, including militarily, which further exacerbates the conflict between the US and China.
Recently, China conducted large-scale military exercises near Taiwan with simulated attacks. More about why Beijing conducted these exercises and the possibility of invasion can be found in RBC-Ukraine's report.
