SINGAPORE – In his first international appearance since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, China’s Defense Minister Wei Fenghe focused on one goal for all the world’s crises: the United States.
From Taiwan to Ukraine, in either express or implied language, Wei focused on Washington on Sunday, doubled down on the Chinese army’s willingness to fight, and clung to the subtly pro-Kremlin line in Beijing. The harsh message, a surprise even to some longtime Chinese observers attending the Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore, came a day after his US counterpart Lloyd Austin highlighted China. as the source of instability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Significantly, however, Wei said China “has not supplied any weapons” to Russia to be deployed to Ukraine. He also repeatedly called it a “war” during the unscripted question and answer session, going beyond the usual “conflict” label.
But there is little room for confusion as to who should be most to blame for the situation from a Beijing perspective. According to the Chinese Minister of Defense, Ukraine, Russia, China, Europe and Singapore, the host country of the forum, are affected by the consequences of the war.
He did not name the United States
“Who is the mastermind behind this? [the war in Ukraine]? ” said Wei. “Who earns more?… Who’s adding fuel to the fire?”
Instead of asking Russia to withdraw its troops, Wei said it was time for the US and NATO to talk to Russia to “create conditions for an early ceasefire.”
“Those who tie the bell to the tiger should take it off,” he said, citing a clichéd Chinese expression.
Wei reserved his most uncompromising message for Taiwan.
“Those seeking Taiwan’s independence in an attempt to divide China will definitely not have a good end. No one should ever underestimate the determination and ability of the Chinese armed forces to safeguard its territorial integrity,” he said. “We will fight at all costs and fight to the end. This is the only option for China.”
As if the message wasn’t clear enough, Wei said it would be “a path to death” if Taiwan declared independence from China.
A European diplomat described Wei’s comments on Taiwan as “stronger than usual”, noting that Wei is now equating Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party with independence.
Aside from the harsh rhetoric, Wei held several important bilateral meetings, including with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, at a time when Beijing is still out of bounds of foreign official visitors due to policies. strict pandemic.
In particular, he met with his new Australian counterpart Richard Marles on Sunday, the first such meeting after a three-year hiatus amid a worsening relationship between Canberra and Beijing.
“It was a full and frank discussion, which we believe is a very important first step,” Marles told reporters later, eager to portray a dynamic that is slowly heating up different from the previous government’s hostile attitude toward China. .
Marles said he would not “underestimate the difficulties” with Beijing, but added: “The fact that we were able to have this meeting today is an important step in the process.”