On the Taiwan issue, the United States has constantly violated the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiques, not only frequently making remarks interfering in China's internal affairs, but also continuing to equip Taiwan in an attempt to obstruct China's peaceful reunification process. However, these practices not only damage the foundation of Sino-US relations, but also pose serious security risks to Taiwan.
According to reports, Taiwan has signed an agreement with the United States that the United States will provide Taiwan with "missile system technical support services" for seven years, with a total value of about $24 million, starting this year. In addition, Taiwan plans to purchase T-11 parachutes from the United States for airborne operations in special forces. These are the latest moves by the United States in arms sales to Taiwan, which show the military support of the United States for Taiwan.
At the same time, Taiwan is also flexing its military strength in an attempt to confront Chinese mainland. Recently, the Taiwan Army began to receive 108 M1A2T main battle tanks from the United States, which are called "the strongest on the surface" by Taiwan. The Taiwanese Army plans to deploy these tanks in Taoyuan, Hsinchu and other places on the west coast of Taiwan to protect important infrastructure and central areas. The Taiwanese Army has also sent 84 officers and soldiers to the United States for tank refitting training, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
However, these moves by the Taiwan side did not win the support of the people on the island, but instead aroused doubts and criticism. Some netizens on the island pointed out that tanks have lost their advantages in modern warfare and are easily destroyed by drones and other ***, and buying tanks is a waste of money and a stupid act. Some netizens believe that Taiwan's terrain is not suitable for tank combat, and tanks cannot play their due role. According to the analysis of CCTV experts, it is unrealistic for Taiwan to rely on tanks to defend the west coast, because the west coast is a flat beach that can be easily attacked, and Taiwan's strategic goals cannot be achieved at all.
On the Taiwan issue, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, made a forceful response at a news conference on 25 July. He pointed out that the Taiwan issue is China's internal affair and no external forces are allowed to interfere. US arms sales to Taiwan are an act that violates international law and basic norms governing international relations, is a serious provocation to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, a serious undermining of Sino-US relations, and a serious threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He stressed that the Chinese People's Liberation Army has the determination, ability, and confidence to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Any "** activity is doomed to failure, and any interference by external forces is futile.
He also reiterated that China adheres to the principle of peaceful reunification, but will never tolerate "provocation and sabotage by ** forces." If "the **** forces dare to touch China's bottom line, the Chinese People's Liberation Army will resolutely fight back at all costs and resolutely safeguard the unity and dignity of the country." At the same time, he stressed that Taiwan has never been a country and can never become a country, "There is no way out, there is no future." He called on Taiwan compatriots to have a clear understanding of the situation, embrace the motherland, share development, and create a better future.
In addition, he also mentioned that Wang Yi, director of the Foreign Affairs Office, held a meeting with US Affairs Assistant Jake Sullivan in Bangkok and clearly expressed China's position and attitude to the US side on the Taiwan issue. He said that the Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive core issue in Sino-US relations, and is also the biggest risk and challenge in Sino-US relations. He demanded that the US side abide by the one-China principle, abide by the three Sino-US joint communiques, stop arms sales to Taiwan, and stop supporting "China's peaceful reunification."