China Warns Taiwan Directly: Independence Means War
BEIJING - China has stepped up their aggressive speech after sending a record number of military aircraft into Taiwan's ADIZ and stated in plain words "independence means war".
The communist state has dramatically increased naval activities around Taiwan as of late and sent 28 fighter jets and bombers into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone after stating that the G-7 was "interfering in China's internal affairs" regarding Taiwan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated, "China's determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests is unwavering".
Although Taiwan has been independently democratic and self ruled for many years, China still claims that the island is a breakaway province and insists that the island be reunified with the mainland.
When asked about China's military activities in the Taiwan strait during a news briefing, Chinese Defense Military spokesman Wu Qian said, "The military activities carried out by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait are necessary actions to address the current security situation in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty and security".
"They are a solemn response to external interference and provocations by 'Taiwan independence' forces. We warn those 'Taiwan independence' elements: those who play with fire will burn themselves, and 'Taiwan independence' means war." he added.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby reaffirmed United States support for Taiwan saying, "We have obligations to assist Taiwan with their self-defense and I think you’re going to see that continue."
Last March a United States Ambassador visited Taiwan for the first time in 42 years, since Washington cut formal ties with the island in order to placate China. Early June U.S. Senators visited Taiwan to donate vaccines, both visits caught the ire of the communist state.