Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun renewed threats that his country would seize self-ruled Taiwan, opening a security forum in Beijing today, the Associated Press reported, BTA reported.
"Taiwan's "return" to China's bosom "is an integral part of the post-war international order," Dong Jun told an audience of foreign military officials attending the "Xiangshan" forum in Beijing, an annual event where China seeks to demonstrate regional leadership and strengthen military cooperation.
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province of its own and reserves the right to use force to bring it under its control. China has been exerting military pressure on Taiwan, sending warships and aircraft close to the island almost daily.
Taiwanese President William Lai and his ruling Democratic Progressive Party reject Beijing's claims and maintain that Taiwan is a sovereign country whose future should be decided by its people.
Dong said China "will never allow any separatist attempt at Taiwan independence to succeed" and was ready to thwart "any external military intervention."
"The Chinese military is ready to work with all countries to serve as a force for global peace, stability and progress," he said.
Without specifically mentioning the United States, Dong criticized "such behavior as external military intervention, seeking spheres of influence, and forcing other countries to take sides." He called such actions a means "to plunge the international community into chaos and conflict".