China’s Foreign Minister, Qin Gang has warned Taiwan and its supporters that they are “playing with fire” if they go against Beijing’s demand to exert control over the self-governing island democracy.
Qin Gang’s remarks came at the end of a speech espousing China’s contribution to the global economy and the interests of developing nations, in which he repeatedly praised Communist Party Secretary General, Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative.
The concept is the latest of China’s moves to position its single-party political system, with its claim to social stability and economic growth, as an alternative to the Western liberal approach that largely defines international relations.
Toward the end of his speech in the financial hub of Shanghai, Qin turned to what China calls the “Taiwan problem.”
While China has taken a consistently hard-line position on Taiwan, it has usually delegated threatening statements to spokespeople or lower-level diplomats speaking through news releases or in bilateral settings.
Qin answers directly to the Politburo Standing Committee of the ruling Communist Party led by deeply nationalistic leader Xi, and his comments reflected a harsher tone of Chinese language over the possibility of a military clash over Taiwan.
Countries, from South Korea to Germany have recently spoken out against China’s threats against Taiwan, underscoring a war of words that wavers on the edge of outright conflict with recent Chinese military exercises surrounding Taiwan and the strengthening of U.S. alliances in Asia aimed at responding to Beijing’s increased military presence.
The threat level toward Taiwan is difficult to rank. However, U.S. officials have stated that China intends to be prepared to launch an invasion within the next decade. Qin’s comments, while not unprecedented, gave higher visibility to the Chinese threats in front of an international audience of the type China has sought to recruit as partners in business and development.
“The safeguarding of national sovereignty and territorial integrity is beyond reproach,” Qin averred.
“The Taiwan problem is at the core of China’s core interests. We will never back down in the face of any act that undermines China’s sovereignty and security. Those who play with fire on the question of Taiwan will burn themselves.”
Qin Gang
Such remarks are typically directed at the island’s democratically elected government under President Tsai Ing-wen and its most important ally, the United States. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory to be annexed by force if necessary.
Wenbin Claims It Is “Necessary To Clearly Oppose Taiwan Independence”
Also on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Wang Wenbin criticized recent comments by South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol opposing any changes in the status quo across the Taiwan Strait at a daily briefing.
Wang said that recent tensions are the responsibility of Taiwan’s government, which opposes Beijing’s demand that it recognizes China’s claim to the island.
“Taiwan independence cannot coexist with peace and stability in the Taiwan region. To maintain the situation in the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and tranquility, it is necessary to clearly oppose Taiwan independence and external interference.”
Wang Wenbin
Earlier in April, China held large-scale air and sea drills in the areas surrounding Taiwan in retaliation for Tsai’s meeting with U.S. House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy on April 5, 2023, in California.
China said that the exercises, simulating an encirclement of Taiwan, were intended as a “serious warning” to pro-independence politicians on the self-governing island and their foreign supporters.
Taiwan will elect a new President and parliament in January, 2024. Taiwanese and U.S. authorities say China is using economic leverage and disinformation to bolster its military threats, but most Taiwanese responding to surveys support the status quo of de facto independence.
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