US military support to Taiwan increases “risk of conflict”, China threatens

China warns that increasing US military support to Taiwan would only increase “the risk of conflict”. Beijing is thus responding to the approval by the US Congress of an $8 billion military aid package for Taiwan.

Source: BELGA

Today at 11:06

Strengthening military ties between the US and Taiwan does not contribute to Taiwan’s security, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. “This will only increase tensions and the risk of conflict on both sides of the Taiwan Strait,” Wang Wenbin said. According to him, Taiwan and the US are shooting themselves in the foot.

China considers self-governing, democratic Taiwan part of its territory. Since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016, Beijing has stepped up its intimidation efforts. On May 20, newly elected Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te will take up his mandate. According to him, military aid will help deter “authoritarianism” and keep peace.

Beijing wants to regain control of the island by force, if necessary. China warned on Wednesday that it would take measures “to protect its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.”

More military aid “cannot save the doomed fate of Taiwan’s independence,” Wang Wenbin said. “The US must (…) stop creating new tensions in the Taiwan Strait and stop compromising peace and stability.”