Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang has issued a stark warning to the authorities of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), stating that U.S. weaponry will not be the “magic straw” to save them. Speaking at a regular press conference on Thursday, Zhang emphasized that foreign arms are merely “easy targets on the battlefield.”
The remarks came in response to reports that the first batch of M1A2T battle tanks purchased by the Taiwan region from the United States has arrived on the island. The acquisition of these advanced tanks has raised tensions across the Taiwan Strait, with Beijing viewing such military enhancements as provocative moves towards seeking independence.
“Seeking independence by soliciting U.S. support is doomed to failure,” Zhang declared. “Resorting to force to resist reunification leads nowhere.” He underscored that any attempts by the DPP authorities to challenge the one-China principle would be met with firm opposition.
Zhang also called on the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques. He urged Washington to honor its commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence,” immediately stop arming the Taiwan region, and cease actions that undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will “comprehensively improve its combat readiness, enhance its capability to fight and win, and firmly smash any ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist plot and foreign interference,” Zhang added. His statements reflect Beijing’s steadfast stance on reunification and its resolve to prevent any separatist movements in Taiwan.
The arrival of U.S. military equipment in the Taiwan region continues to strain cross-strait relations. As both sides navigate these tensions, regional stability hangs in the balance, drawing international attention to the future of peace and cooperation in the area.
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Spokesperson: U.S. weaponry won't be magic straw to save DPP
cgtn.com
