China warns Taiwan independence ‘means war’ as US pledges help
Escalation stares in the face as a fallout of geopolitical rivalry and hegemonistic designs
NepalPress
China has in a strong statement warned that attempts by Taiwan to seek independence from Beijing “means war”.
BBC reports that the warning comes days after Beijing stepped up military activities and sent warplanes near the island.
It also comes amid closer ties between Taiwan and the US, which welcomed a new administration just last week.
In a statement on Thursday, the US reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Taiwan’s defence capability.
PERCEPTION VERSUS REALITY
China sees democratic Taiwan as a breakaway province, but Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state.
“We are seriously telling those Taiwan independence forces: those who play with fire will burn themselves, and Taiwan independence means war,” Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said at a press conference on Thursday.
He also defended China’s recent military activities saying they were “necessary actions to address the current security situation in the Taiwan Strait and to safeguard national sovereignty and security”.
NepalPress 
