Chinese general vows to protect Taiwan 'at any cost'
Beijing issued a warning to Washington after US naval ships repeatedly passed through the Taiwan Strait recently.
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Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese Army Li Zuocheng. Photo:AP. |
"The Taiwan issue is China's internal affair, involving the country's core interests and national sentiment. External interference will not be tolerated,"AFPquoted Senior General Li Zuocheng, Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese military, speaking yesterday at a meeting in Beijing with Admiral John Richardson, Commander of the US Navy.
"If anyone wants to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will defend the motherland's unity at any cost," Mr. Lee added.
In recent months, US Navy ships have repeatedly passed through the Taiwan Strait, a sensitive area separating mainland China and the island. Beijing sees this as a violation of its sovereignty, while Washington says the Taiwan Strait is international waters.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has said it is willing to use force to unify it if necessary. Washington severed diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979 in recognition of this "One China" policy. However, it remains the island's strongest ally and main arms supplier.
