China’s defense minister warned on Sunday that Taiwan’s incremental pursuit of independence and its supporters would “ultimately lead to self-destruction.”
The warning was issued during a comprehensive speech at a security summit in Singapore, underscoring the heightened regional tensions.
The Minister made these comments during a roughly 30-minute speech. His remarks followed Beijing’s staging of major military exercises encircling the island of Taiwan shortly after its new democratically elected president was inaugurated last month.
“While China remains dedicated to peaceful reunification, the actions of Taiwan independence separatists and foreign forces are undermining this goal,” Dong cautioned.
These remarks coincide with growing concerns in the region regarding Beijing’s increased military and economic pressure on Taiwan, a trend that has intensified under Chinese leader Xi Jinping.