Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe makes a speech at the Shangi-La Dialogue in Singapore, June 12, 2022 (Global Times)

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) security conference in Singapore, China's Defense Minister Wei Fenghe warned that China's armed forces are prepared to fight to the very end if anyone dares to split Taiwan out of China.

"Taiwan is part of China, the Taiwan question belongs to China’s internal affairs, and national reunification will definitely become a reality," Wei said.

He further warned that those who pursue "Taiwan independence" as part of an attempt to split China will definitely come to a "dead end", adding that the US fought a civil war for its unity, and although China doesn't want such a war, it will crush attempts of pursuing "Taiwan independence".

“Let me make this clear: if anyone dares to split Taiwan out of China, we will not hesitate to fight. We will fight at all costs. We will fight to the very end. This is the only choice for China,” Wei warned.

The Chinese Defense Minister further declared that treating China as a threat, adversary or enemy would be a historic mistake as it is not a threat to any other country, adding that the US' Indo-Pacific strategy exploits the idea of creating a "free and open Indo-Pacific region" to control regional states and produce conflict in order to contain China.

Ukraine conflict

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Wei said that China considers sanctions to be an ineffective tool, and that such an approach against Russia will not aid in resolving the conflict.

He further emphasized that China has never provided the Russian military with any material support, and that his country's partnership with Russia is not directed against any country.

Conflict or war is the last thing Beijing wants, Wei said, and sanctions pressure is no war to resolve conflict, rather it can further inflame tensions and complicate the situation.

In order to ensure a speedy cessation of hostilities, the defense minister said that China supports dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, and also talks between the US, NATO and Russia.