China Condemns US Military Support to Taiwan, Warns Against Independence Movements

In a press conference held on Thursday, a spokesperson from the Chinese mainland expressed strong disapproval of the military assistance and arms sales the United States is extending to Taiwan. Zhang Xiaogang, who represents the Ministry of National Defense, characterized this action as indicative of the US's "extremely malicious intention" aimed at leading Taiwan toward war.

Addressing questions about recent defense funding approved by the US House Appropriations Committee, which includes a proposal for $500 million in military aid to Taiwan, Zhang urged the United States to adhere to the one-China principle as well as to respect the established three China-US joint communiqués. He called for an end to any actions that might encourage the separatist forces in Taiwan advocating for independence.

Zhang also responded to inquiries regarding Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te and his ambitions for advancing Taiwan-US security cooperation, which involve joint military production and research initiatives. He criticized Lai for what he described as efforts to secure "protection money" from the US, implying that these actions would waste the resources of the Taiwanese people. Zhang firmly stated that any attempts by Taiwan to pursue independence with the support of the United States, or to resist reunification through force, are destined to fail.