Taiwan condemns Chinese Defence Minister’s remarks at Shangri-La Dialogue, calls it ‘provocative and irrational’

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Sunday criticised Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun’s “provocative and irrational” remarks on Taiwan at the Shangri-La Dialogue, saying his/her comments violated the UN Charter and could affect peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region, reports Focus Taiwan.

The Shangri-La Dialogue, an international defence and security conference, was held in Singapore from 31 May to 2 June.

The MAC said it was “deeply regrettable that an official of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has made such provocative and irrational remarks on cross-Strait relations.”

According to Focus Taiwan, the MAC said the CCP has once again intimidated Taiwan and its neighbouring countries with aggressive rhetoric, increasing the threat posed by China’s authoritarian rule to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Furthermore, the MAC said the CCP frequently repeats pressure-laden remarks targeting Taiwan at international events, and described such practice as a serious violation of Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter, which requires member states to refrain from the use or threat of use of force.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Dong stressed that China’s defence policies and concepts are open and inclusive, referring to China’s approach to global security.

Following this, Dong Jun made strident remarks toward Taiwan in a 30-minute speech, warning that “anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will face self-destruction.”

However, in the nearly 30-minute speech, the Chinese minister also made strong remarks toward Taiwan, saying that “anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up self-destructing.”

According to Focus Taiwan, Dong said the Chinese government is committed to peaceful reunification, but he/she also said China’s People’s Liberation Army will remain a strong force to maintain “national unification.” he/she added that “actions will be taken to prevent Taiwan independence and ensure that any such plot never succeeds.”

Beijing views Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te, who was sworn in on May 20, as a “separatist” and a supporter of Taiwan independence.

Days after Lai Ching-te was sworn in, China on Thursday launched two days of military exercises encircling Taiwan in what it called “punishment” for so-called “separatist acts,” reports CNN.

The reason for this exercise by China is Lai’s inaugural speech in which he/she called on Beijing to stop intimidating the island nation, which China claims as its own.

In his/her inaugural address, Lai called on Beijing to “stop its political and military threats against Taiwan, share with Taiwan the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the larger region, and ensure that the world is free from the fear of war.”

In his/her speech in Singapore, Dong said Lai’s party, the Democratic Progressive Party, was “pursuing gradual secession” and “aiming to erase Taiwan’s Chinese identity.”