Beijing: China's military has issued a stern warning that it will tighten its grip on Taiwan if the island continues to push for independence, which Beijing views as a separatist threat.
The statement, delivered by army spokesperson Wu Qian, was made during China's "Two Sessions," the country's most significant annual political event.
According to state media reports, Wu cautioned that any escalation of separatist efforts in Taiwan would lead to dire consequences. "The more aggressive Taiwan independence forces become, the tighter the noose around their necks will be, and the sharper the sword above them will hang," Wu stated, as quoted by Xinhua News Agency.
China's government considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not ruled out military action to assert control over the self-governing island. Wu emphasized that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) remains committed to countering separatism and working toward reunification.
"You are riding a horse toward the edge of a cliff, but there is still land behind you," he warned. "If you continue down the wrong path, there will be no way out."
Despite Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's repeated reassurances that he does not intend to formally declare independence, Beijing continues to view him as a separatist, partly due to his past remarks describing himself as a "pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence."
Wu’s remarks come as China announced a 7.2% increase in its defense budget for 2025, underscoring its ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities. The warning signals Beijing's firm stance on Taiwan as tensions in the region remain high.
