'Will Take Resolute Actions To Prevent Taiwan Independence': Chinese Defence Minister

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun stated on Sunday (2 June) that the possibility of a peaceful "reunification" with Taiwan is being increasingly undermined by Taiwanese separatists and external influences. He also vowed to prevent Taiwan's independence from ever occurring.

In response to the 20 May inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing labels a "separatist," China conducted war games around the island last month.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore, Dong emphasised that Taiwan is the "core of core issues" for China as per a report by The Hindu.

He accused Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party of gradually pushing for separatism and attempting to erase Chinese identity.

"China stays committed to peaceful reunification, however, this prospect is increasingly being eroded by separatists for Taiwan independence and foreign forces," Dong continued.

He further added, "We will take resolute actions to curb Taiwan's independence and make sure such a plot never succeeds."

China has repeatedly expressed anger over US support for Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, including through arms sales.

The government in Taipei asserts that Taiwan is already an independent country, the Republic of China. The Republican government relocated to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's communists, who established the People's Republic of China.