Chinese minister talks about conflict: Li Shangfu threatens “use of force” against Taiwan

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The new Chinese defense minister, Li Shangfu (65), has threatened a military conquest of Taiwan. Before the start of the Shangri-La Dialogue Asian Security Conference in Singapore, General Li Shangfu said in a meeting with the city-state’s defense minister Ng Eng Hen, 64, that China is seeking a peaceful “reunification” but will not allow it. the ruling Progressive Party (DPP) in Taipei, which is striving for independence.

“We will never promise to refrain from using force,” Chinese state media quoted him as saying Friday at the meeting the day before. “China must be united.” China’s leadership will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said the general, taking part in the security dialogue for the first time.

China considers the Democratic Island Republic as part of the People’s Republic. However, Taiwan, which today has a population of 23 million, has had an independent government for more than seven decades. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, concerns have grown that China could use similar force against Taiwan.

Radio silence between US and China

The United States has committed itself to the island’s ability to defend itself, which so far has mostly come down to arms shipments. However, US President Joe Biden (80) had promised to deploy US troops to assist Taiwan in a Chinese attack.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is also attending the Singapore conference, has asked his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu to meet on the sidelines. However, the Chinese side rejected this. One point of contention is that the US imposed sanctions on the general in 2018, which Beijing is demanding be lifted. In any case, there is largely radio silence between the two countries as relations have fallen to an all-time low. (SDA)

Source: Blick