Chinese officials have warned the United States that any efforts to make Taiwan independent of China could trigger military action in Beijing.
Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe met with US counterpart Lloyd Austin at an Asian security summit in Singapore, the BBC reported on Saturday.
Separating Taiwan from China would leave Beijing with no choice but to “fight at all costs,” Wei told Austin, according to the BBC.
But Austin said there were numerous Chinese planes flying near Taiwan almost daily, which he said “undermined peace and stability in the region.” He described China’s military activity as “provocative” and “destabilizing.”
China sees Taiwan as self-governing as an integral part of China’s territory.
Taiwanese artillery cannons fire live rounds during anti-landing drills.AP
A spokesman quoted Wei as saying, “If anyone dares to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will have no choice but to fight at all costs and crush any attempt at Taiwan’s independence.” “and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Austin said the United States plans to maintain the status quo: recognizing Beijing as China’s sole government and opposing Taiwan’s independence.
Austin’s statements came nearly three weeks after President Joe Biden caused a stir when he said the United States would intervene militarily if China tried to take Taiwan by force.
Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe greets U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on June 11, 2022. REUTERS Lloyd Austin listens during Saturday’s meeting. AFP via Getty Images
Biden’s warning that he seemed to disagree with Washington’s traditionally deliberate ambiguity on the subject.
The White House quickly downplayed Biden’s comments, saying they did not reflect a change in U.S. policy.