By Liu Chuntao and Cai Shuya
SINGAPORE, June 3 -- Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun delivered a speech on China's approach to global security at the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue on June 2. In the subsequent Q&A session, Admiral Dong issued a stern warning on the Taiwan question and stressed that anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction.
Admiral Dong systematically expounded on the historical and legal basis of the Taiwan question, reiterating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. He pointed out that Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times, and this is beyond doubt historically, legally, and realistically. Admiral Dong cited international documents such as the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to clearly state the international law as the legal foundation of Taiwan being part of China.
Admiral Dong stressed that anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction. He pointed out that "Taiwan independence" forces are unilaterally undermining the status quo of that there is only one China in the world, and such behavior will lead to their own destruction. He said that since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to power, it has denied the 1992 Consensus, amended the "constitution" and "laws", tampered with textbooks, and carried out large-scale military equipment expansion. All these actions are challenging the bottom line of the Chinese mainland.
"In the face of the powerful Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), all separatist actions by the 'Taiwan independence' forces are doomed to fail," said the defense minister, adding that the PLA has the power and is well-prepared to deal with any "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The defense minister reiterated in the end that China adheres to the policy of peaceful reunification and will do its utmost to achieve this goal. He called on the "Taiwan independence" forces to give up their illusions and return to the right path of national reunification.
