China’s foreign minister Wang Yi (AP image)
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi on Saturday warned the United States against its attempts to interfere in Taiwan, saying that such actions could lead to a confrontation between Beijing and Washington.Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Wang cautioned that the US in the future could adopt a China policy aimed at “instigating and plotting to split China through Taiwan, crossing China’s red line.”“This could very likely lead to a confrontation between China and the United States,” he said. Wang added that China hopes the United States will take a “positive and pragmatic” approach towards bilateral ties.
“But we are also prepared to deal with various risks,” he said.China considers self-ruled Taiwan to be part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. The United States, meanwhile, is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and primary arms supplier and the island would rely heavily on US assistance in the event of a military conflict with China.During his address, Wang also commented on China’s strained relations with Japan, which have faced renewed tensions since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office in October.
Referring to political developments in Japan, Wang said, “The Japanese people should no longer allow themselves to be manipulated or deceived by those far-right forces, or by those who seek to revive militarism.”He further warned, “All peace-loving countries should send a clear warning to Japan: if it chooses to walk back on this path, it will only be heading toward self-destruction.”
