China Rejects Taiwan's Criticism of Defense Budget, Condemns External Interference

In response to inquiries regarding the Chinese mainland's defense budget increase, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, addressed the situation. He stated that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities are consistently exaggerating a so-called military threat from the mainland while simultaneously seeking favor with external forces that exploit Taiwan. According to Chen, it is clear who is truly destabilizing cross-Straits peace and escalating tensions.

Chen emphasized that the mainland's annual defense budget is established in accordance with the law. He described the spending as transparent, reasonable, and moderate, driven solely by the need to protect national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as to maintain global peace. He further criticized the DPP authorities for their pursuit of independence through foreign support and military means, while ignoring calls for improved livelihoods and peace within Taiwan.

Chen accused the DPP authorities of deliberately exaggerating tensions and inciting cross-Straits confrontation to distract from domestic criticism of their actions, including concessions to external forces and the payment of so-called "protection fees." He asserted that no matter how the DPP attempts to distort reality, they cannot change their nature of serving US interests at Taiwan's expense. He reiterated that "Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and reunification is inevitable.

Chen also addressed the recent comments by a nominee for US undersecretary of defense for policy regarding Taiwan's military budget. He stated that the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China and should not be subject to foreign interference. He firmly opposed any form of military ties between the US and Taiwan and demanded that the US adhere to the one-China principle and cease arming Taiwan. Chen concluded with a warning to the DPP authorities, stating that those who serve as pawns of external forces will ultimately be abandoned.