fredag 29. januar 2021

China warns Taiwan independence 'means war' as US pledges support

China has warned that attempts by Taiwan to seek independence "means war". The warning comes days after China stepped up its military activities and flew warplanes near the island. It also comes as new US president Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Taiwan, and set out his stance in Asia. Responding on Thursday, the US called China's statements "unfortunate" adding that "tensions over Taiwan did not need to lead to confrontation".

China sees democratic Taiwan as a breakaway province, but Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state. "We are seriously telling those Taiwan independence forces: those who play with fire will burn themselves, and Taiwan independence means war," Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said at a press conference on Thursday. He also defended China's recent military activities saying they were "necessary actions to address the current security situation in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty and security".