2-6-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a strongly-worded address at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun issued a stern warning over Taiwan’s pursuit of independence and foreign interference, vowing to take “resolute actions” to curb such endeavours. Dong’s remarks have further heightened tensions surrounding the long-standing cross-strait dispute.
Addressing the gathering in Singapore on Sunday (June 2), Dong characterised Taiwan as the “core of core issues” for China, accusing the island’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of incrementally pursuing separatism and attempting to erase Chinese identity. He lambasted recent “fanatical statements” by Taiwanese separatists as a “betrayal of the Chinese nation and their ancestors.”
“China stays committed to peaceful reunification. However, this prospect is increasingly being eroded by separatists for Taiwan independence and foreign forces,” Dong declared, asserting that the People’s Liberation Army “will remain a strong force for upholding national reunification.”
The Chinese defence minister’s stern rhetoric comes in the wake of escalating tensions following the inauguration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on May 20, an event that prompted Beijing to stage provocative war games around the island. Dong’s comments have sparked concerns about the potential for further escalation in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, responsible for China policy, swiftly responded, expressing deep regret over Dong’s “provocative and irrational” remarks and reiterating that the People’s Republic of China has never ruled the island.
Dong’s speech also targeted the United States’ support for Taiwan, labelling arms sales as a “test of China’s red lines” and accusing foreign powers of using Taiwan to “contain China.” He warned of the “limits” to Beijing’s restraint in the South China Sea, where tensions have flared between Chinese and Philippine vessels near disputed reefs.
Andrew Yang, a former Taiwan defence minister, criticized China’s actions as “confrontational and contradictory,” asserting that Beijing’s deeds have yet to match its words on pursuing reunification through winning hearts and minds. Yang expressed hope that the US would maintain its schedule of arms sales to Taiwan to enhance the island’s self-defence capabilities.
The Shangri-La Dialogue, a prominent defence forum, has become a barometer of US-China relations in recent years. Dong’s remarks, coupled with a contentious meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, have underscored the growing rift between the two superpowers over Taiwan and regional security issues.
