China ready to “smash” Taiwanese independence bid

As the US reportedly prepares to accelerate arms shipments to Taiwan, the Chinese military announces that it is ready to “resolutely smash” any attempt at Taiwanese independence and outside interference in the conflict.

The Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman, Colonel Tan Kefei, proclaims that the US-Taiwan military exchange is an “extremely wrong and dangerous move” and that China will do whatever is necessary to counter any separatist attempts.

– China’s People’s Liberation Army continues to strengthen military training and preparations and will resolutely smash any form of Taiwanese independence secession along with attempts at outside interference, and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Tan pledges.

Since the 1949 split, China has regarded Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunited with the mainland. Recently, the situation in the region has escalated as US and EU leaders have become more explicit in their support for Taiwan.

The US has also pledged to support Taiwan militarily and the Biden administration has agreed to provide the Taiwanese Armed Forces with military equipment worth at least $19 billion. In addition, it is reported that over 100 US military personnel will be sent to the island to train Taiwanese soldiers and improve its defenses in various ways.

So far, however, US arms deliveries have been delayed, reportedly due to reduced production as a result of the recent coronavirus policy and the simultaneous delivery of large quantities of arms to Ukraine.

According to reports, Taiwan is still waiting for fighter jets, mobile artillery systems, anti-ship missiles and anti-tank missiles, among other things, which it considers necessary to repel a possible Chinese attack.

– The Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests and remains the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations. The “Three Principles,” namely, severing so-called “diplomatic relations,” abrogating the “mutual defense treaty” with the Taiwan authorities, and withdrawing U.S. military forces from Taiwan, are the preconditions for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, Tan Kefei further explains.

– China will not accept any attempt to turn the wheel of history. We sternly warn the U.S. side to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, fulfill its commitment of not supporting ‘Taiwan independence,’ and stop any forms of military collusion with Taiwan. We sternly warn the DPP [Democratic Progressive Party] authorities and the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces that any attempt to seek independence by soliciting U.S. support or by force would lead nowhere.