US calls on Beijing to “avoid further destabilization”
China “Will not hesitate to start a war” If Taiwan declares its independence, a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Defense warned on Friday after the Chinese minister’s meeting with his American counterpart in Singapore.
“If anyone dares to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will not hesitate for a moment to start a war, whatever the price, “said Wu Qian, quoting Chinese Defense Minister Wei Feng during a meeting with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin.
The two ministers held face-to-face talks in Singapore today and the two sides reiterated their positions on Taiwan, a major source of tension between the two powers.
Austin called on China to “refrain from further destabilizing action” on the Taiwan issue, according to a US statement issued after the talks.
It is noted that Taiwan is recognized as an independent state under the name “Republic of China” by only 14 states (2021). It is not recognized by most countries and international organizations because the People’s Republic of China insists to consider it her province. Taiwan, however, maintains close relations with the United States, Japan and many European countries, although not at the level of embassies.
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