Wu Qian, PRC Ministry Of Defense Spokesman: Taiwan Independence Means War; Military Activity In Taiwan Strait - Necessary Action To Protect China's National Sovereignty And Security

Wu Qian, spokesperson for PRC Ministry of Defense, addressed the issue of Chinese military aircraft's recent incursion into Taiwan's airspace in a January 28 press conference that was posted on Radar Videos on Haokan Video (China). He said that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, the "Taiwan question" is part of China's internal affairs and China will not tolerate any external interference in this matter. Qian added: "Military activities carried out by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Taiwan Strait are necessary actions taken to address the current security situation across the Strait and the need to safeguard national sovereignty and security. They were a solemn response to interference from external forces and provocations from 'Taiwan independence' forces." He also warned that anyone who plays with fire will only burn himself and said that "'Taiwan independence' means war."

Wu Qian: "Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, and the Taiwan question falls under China's internal affairs and tolerates no interference from any external forces. Military activities carried out by the People's Liberation Army [PLA] in the Taiwan Strait are necessary actions taken to address the current security situation across the Strait and the need to safeguard national sovereignty and security. They were a solemn response to interference from external forces and provocations from 'Taiwan independence' forces.

"National rejuvenation and reunification are the great trends of our times, the path of righteousness, and aspirations of the people. In the long history of the Chinese nation, the efforts of a small group of 'Taiwan independence' separatists are just like a bubble, how much spindrift can they turn up? We solemnly warn those 'Taiwan independence' activists: 'Those who play with fire will only burn themselves, and 'Taiwan independence' means war. The People's Liberation Army [PLA] will take all necessary measures to resolutely thwart any form of separatist attempts for 'Taiwan independence' and firmly safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity."