China vows to 'resolutely smash' any separatist attempts by Taiwan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 May 12:34

The Chinese armed forces warns the United States of further provocation on the Taiwan issue and calls on Washington to abide by its One China Policy.

Soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) take part in a military parade to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the army at the Zhurihe military training base in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, July 30, 2017. (Reuters)

China warned on Wednesday of any form of separatist moves in Taiwan, warning that it will “resolutely smash" any attempt for independence by the island.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) “continues to strengthen military training and preparations and will resolutely smash any form of Taiwanese independence secession, along with attempts at outside interference, and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Chinese Defense Ministry Spokesperson Colonel Tan Kefei said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

His comments came in response to the US announcing a $500 million military package to Taiwan, something that China has repeatedly warned against. Earlier reports have also revealed that the United States has deployed some 200 military personnel on the island, claiming that they are missioned to provide military training to the Taiwanese army.

Increasing military ties between the United States and Taipei have “shaken the foundation of Sino-US relations and undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” Tan added. “This is a very wrong and dangerous move.”

Tan described the Taiwan issue as “the first insurmountable red line” in China’s relations with Washington. He called for the US to commit to its One China policy, which recognizes the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legal government of China, including Taiwan.

“History must not be reversed,” the Spokesperson said. Tan added that Chinese leaders have warned Taipei that any attempts to seek independence by relying on the United States are a “dead end".

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said earlier that Washington will spare no effort to prevent Beijing and Moscow from establishing a military alliance. Tan responded that China and Russia's cooperation will help safeguard “international fairness and justice” while ensuring security and stability, adding that the deep relations between both countries are on the basis of “non-alignment” and “non-confrontation."

“If someone judges others by himself, sticks to the narrow and outdated Cold War alliance thinking, looks at China, and evaluates China-Russia relations with concern, the premise and argument are wrong,” he said. “Naturally, they cannot come to a correct judgment.”

On Tuesday, the Taiwanese Central News Agency reported that former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss arrived at Taoyuan International Airport for a five-day working visit and was welcomed by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu.

The Chinese government slammed Truss' Taiwan visit as a "dangerous political show which will do nothing but harm to the UK."

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London accused Truss of "colluding with 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces to provoke confrontation," adding that her visit would "further expose herself as a failed politician."