China warned during a press conference on Thursday that continued efforts by Taiwan to push towards their independence would mean war, Reuters reported.
Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian explained during the briefing that Taiwan was a crucial part of China and that an attempt by Taiwan to earn their independence would mean war, Reuters reported.
China warns Taiwan “independence means war,” ramps up military presence around island https://t.co/nmCLSkjnb2
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“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,” Qian said, addressing questions regarding Chinese fighter jets flying over Taiwanese air space last weekend. (RELATED: Beijing Snubs Taiwan’s ‘Meaningful Dialogue’ Offer)
“They are a solemn response to external inference and provocations by ‘Taiwan independence’ forces,” he remarked.
“We warn those ‘Taiwan independence’ elements: those who play with fire will burn themselves, and ‘Taiwan independence’ means war,” Qian continued.
Taiwan‘s Mainland Affairs Council reportedly warned that China should tread lightly and not underestimate the island’s ability to defend itself.
Six Chinese fighter jets, including four J-10 jets, reportedly flew through Taiwan’s southwestern airspace on Thursday according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry marking the fifth day that China has ramped up their military presence surrounding the island.