Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Minister of Foreign Affairs China Wang Yi warned the Foreign Minister United States of America Antony Blinken for not sending the wrong signal to Taiwan’s pro-independence forces.
As reported Reuters on Saturday (13/11), the warning was delivered ahead of a virtual meeting of the two leaders, Xi Jinping and Joe Biden, at the beginning of next week.
China has always considered Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory. In contrast, Taiwan has so far continued to fight for their independence from China, especially after President Tsai Ing-wen came to power.
Since Tsai took control, Taiwan has also continued to strengthen its military. They are even determined to produce more domestic weapons, such as submarines. They also bought a number of defense equipment from the United States.
In order to prevent further Chinese threats, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense claims it will strengthen their efforts to create “asymmetric warfare” so Beijing is difficult to resist.
These efforts include drills for long-range missile strikes against China, the installation of landmines, and more training for military reserves starting next year.
Taiwan also revealed their plans to counter Chinese attacks that are suspected of seizing their sovereignty. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense disclosed the plan in a biennial military strategy report released on Tuesday (9/11).
This report outlines the plans of the Taiwanese armed forces to extend the reach of military deterrence to China’s shores. The plan was drawn up if at any time the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attacked.
Meanwhile, Xi Jinping and Joe Biden will meet virtually on Tuesday (16/11) morning China time. The meeting is planned amid rising tensions over Taiwan, trade and human rights.
The US has repeatedly shown its support for Taiwan in the face of Chinese aggression. At the same time, however, the US and China unveiled a surprise agreement on climate, highlighting several areas of cooperation.
This virtual meeting will be Biden’s first with Xi Jinping since he became US President last January.
It came as Xi Jinping hinted at a slight warming of ties with the US, according to a statement published on the website of the Chinese embassy to the US on Tuesday.
(ryh / chri)
– .
