Any attempt to separate Taiwan from China is akin to calling for a war, according to a defense minister. China vowed to never give up Taiwan, or an inch of its territory for the matter. This also means the continuously-disputed on waters of the South China Sea.
Speaking at the opening of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, Defense Minister Wei Fenghe warned anyone or any effort to separate Taiwan from China would experience how the Chinese armed forces take action. He added that even though the nation's military ties with the United States are valuable and sensitive, Taiwan remains a core interest, and the country will not take lightly any shows of strength by outside forces in the seemingly unresolvable issue of the South China Sea. By external forces, China is strongly implying the United States.
Beijing has been imbued with infuriation against the United States lately not only because of an ongoing and bitter trade war but because of the US sanctions on its military. Washington's backing of Taiwan and the US military influence in the South China Sea are triggering China's defenses.
"The islands in the South China Sea have long been China's territory. They're the legacy of our ancestors, and we can't afford to lose a single inch of them," said Wei.
Triggering Wei's words was the United States sending two warships through the Taiwan Strait just this Monday. This was already the second time this year. Wei warned that United States' actions appear to be challenging China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Taiwan is one of China's core interests and to repeatedly challenge China's bottom line with regard this matter can become quite dangerous.
With these words, war with China seems inevitable if the United States will continue to meddle on these issues and infringe on the economic giant's interests.
This is also what a former military commander warned the United States of. According to retired Lieutenant-General Ben Hodges, a war between the two nations might erupt in 15 years, unless the United States shifts its attention to defending its interests in the Pacific. He clarifies that it might not be "inevitable," but the likelihood is quite high.
The officer explained that the United States is already overstretched as it is. According to him, the United States does not have the ability to everything it has to in both Europe and Pacific and still deals with a Chinese threat.
