Photo: Collected
China will never tolerate separatist activities in Taiwan and a foreign indulgence of such activities, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun has said in a conversation via video teleconference with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
"The Chinese People's Liberation Army will never tolerate separatist activities in Taiwan and condoning it from overseas," the Chinese Defense Ministry quoted Dong as saying on Tuesday (16 April).
The Chinese minister added that the Taiwan issue is at the foundation of China's core interests, and "China's core interests should not be violated."
Dong also called on Washington to respect China's territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea and its maritime interests.
"The US should recognize China's firm stance and truly respect its territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea and maritime interests, maintain regional peace and stability in the relationship between the Chinese and US armed forces with real actions," the Chinese minister said.
He added that the situation in the South China Sea is stable in general, with countries in the region "having the desire, wisdom and capacity to resolve all issues."
Messenger/Mumu
