BEIJING: China issued a sharp warning on Wednesday, vowing to “crush” any external attempts to intervene in Taiwan affairs after Japan confirmed plans to deploy missile systems on an island close to the self-ruled territory.
“We have firm resolve, strong determination, and the capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Peng Qingen, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, during a regular press briefing. His remarks came in response to Tokyo’s planned missile deployment.
“We will crush all foreign interference,” Peng added.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under Beijing’s control. Taiwan’s elected government rejects that claim, insisting its future can only be determined by its people.
Peng criticized Japan’s move as a destabilizing act.
“Japan’s deployment of offensive weapons so close to China’s Taiwan region is extremely dangerous,” he said. “It deliberately heightens regional tension and provokes military confrontation.”
– Beijing Newsroom
