Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi again promoted the one-China principle, calling Taiwan an internal issue for Beijing during the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.
Wang warned that if the U.S. decouples from China or incites Taiwan independence, crossing Beijing’s red lines, it will lead to a confrontation between China and the U.S.
He also escalated tensions with Japan, accusing its stance on Taiwan of signalling militaristic revival following Japan’s Prime Minister suggested in November last year Japan might intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan.
In response, Japan’s Foreign Minister and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara condemned Wang’s comments, calling them factually incorrect and without basis.
Japan’s ruling party scored a historic victory in last week’s parliamentary elections, signalling strong support for its stance on regional security.
Wang also said China has become a pillar of peace in Asia and will continue to play a constructive role in regional stability as a significant force for global peace.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung also fired back at Wang, accusing him of distorting international opinion, saying China is the real threat.
“In fact, China has recently engaged in military provocations in surrounding areas and has repeatedly and openly violated UN Charter principles on refraining from the use of force or the threat of force,” he said.
He added that China’s provocations “once again exposes a hegemonic mindset that does not match its words with its actions.”
According to intelligence reports, Chinese Leader Xi Jinping has ordered China’s military, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to be ready to take Taiwan by 2027 if necessary, while countering any U.S. military response.
John Moolenaar, Chairman for U.S. Select Committee for the CCP said both U.S. and Taiwan must be prepared.
“When a dictator says he’s preparing to do something dangerous, all of us must take him at his word,” he said
“That reality makes 2026 an important year, one in which we must prepare at home and abroad for all scenarios, using all available tools of our national power.”
“The goal is simple, to ensure Beijing never decides that aggression against Taiwan would be fast, cheap, or successful,” Moolenaar added.
Although U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not mention Taiwan directly, he noted that U.S.-China interests are deeply at odds.
Over in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated arms sales to Taiwan.
Meanwhile, U.S. moves forward with new support legislation, including the Taiwan Protection Act, aimed at deterring Chinese military action through economic sanctions.
