China’s defence chief warns ‘external forces’ not to meddle in Taiwan
- General Wei Fenghe says country intends no group any harm but will defeat ‘all invading enemies’
- Underestimating resolve of the People’s Liberation Army is ‘very dangerous’, minister says on final day of Shangri-La Dialogue
China’s top defence official issued a stern warning to “external forces” that foster the idea of independence for Taiwan, saying at Asia’s primary security summit in Singapore on Sunday that Beijing will not cede a “single inch” of its territory.
Defence Minister Wei Fenghe’s comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue came amid rising tensions between China and the United States, fuelled by a near year-long trade war and disputes over technology, Taiwan and the South China Sea.
“The People’s Liberation Army [China’s military] vows not to yield a single inch of the country’s sacred land,” Wei said.
“Nor will it seize anything from others. The PLA has no intention to cause anybody trouble, but it is not afraid to face troubles. Should anyone risk crossing the bottom line, the PLA will resolutely take action and defeat all invading enemies.”
Wei did not make any specific references to the US, but did name Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in his warning to those hoping for independence for the self-ruled island.