3-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) A high-ranking Chinese general launched a scathing attack on United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Saturday (Jun 3), accusing him of distorting the facts and truth regarding Taiwan’s status. Lieutenant-General Jing Jianfeng, the vice chief of the Central Military Commission’s Joint Staff Department, made these comments during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, alleging that Austin had deviated from Beijing’s one-China principle.
Jing asserted that the US’ statements about Taiwan disregarded the facts, twisted the truth, and were completely erroneous. He reiterated China’s position, stating, “First, there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is a sacred and inseparable part of Chinese territory. Second, the one-China principle represents the consensus of the international community. Third, it is the shared aspiration and sacred responsibility of all Chinese people, including our compatriots in Taiwan, to achieve the reunification of the motherland.”
Jing accused the US of undermining the one-China principle, despite it not being the official US policy. He criticized the strengthening exchanges between US and Taiwanese officials, the tacit approval of Taiwanese separatist activities, and the increasing sale of advanced weaponry to Taiwan. Additionally, Jing pointed out that the US frequently conducted military maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait to flex its muscles and encouraged other countries to interfere in the Taiwan issue.
These remarks came in response to Austin’s speech at the defense conference, where he emphasized the commitment of the US and its network of allied countries in Asia to counter coercion, particularly in the Taiwan Strait. Austin stated, “To be clear, we do not seek conflict or confrontation, but we will not back down in the face of bullying or coercion.”
Various countries hold differing policies regarding Taiwan, which do not fully align with Beijing’s stance. While the US acknowledges that China views Taiwan as part of its territory, it does not concur with this perspective. The US has accused China of misrepresenting its position on the matter.
Jing issued a warning to pro-independence groups and other nations, declaring that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was fully prepared to defend Beijing’s longstanding goal of reunification. He emphasized, “The Chinese PLA Army stands fully prepared and ready to firmly defend China’s sovereignty, reunification, and territorial integrity at any time.”
The exchange of contentious remarks between the Chinese general and the US defense secretary underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding Taiwan’s status and the differing perspectives held by various stakeholders.
