Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe told US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday that Beijing would “fight at all costs” to prevent Taiwan from breaking away from the Chinese mainland. His warning comes as the US pursues a multi-million dollar arms deal with Taiwan and amid conflicting messages on the island’s status from Washington.
“If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese military has no choice but to fight at all costs and take all necessary measures to crush any attempt by ‘Taiwan Separatists’ to split Taiwan from the motherland,” Wei told Austin, according to Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian.
“The Chinese military will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Wu added.