Defense ministry condemns Taiwan's weapons plans

Seeking "independence" by force is a dead end, Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, said on Thursday in response to Taiwan's plan to expand weapons development.

Joseph Wu Jaushieh, the island's head of external affairs, has recently claimed Taiwan is facing the "threat of military expansion" from the Chinese mainland and therefore should strengthen cooperation with "countries with similar ideologies" to improve the island's self-defense capabilities. Some media reports also said Taiwan is pressing ahead with the development of weapons for the so-called homeland defense operations.

Tan said the one-China principle is the universal consensus of the international community. The DPP authorities have overrated their abilities by openly making "Taiwan independence" remarks and arrogantly engaging in provocations.

The People's Liberation Army is on standby and will maintain a high state of readiness at all times to resolutely crush any "Taiwan independence" secessionist attempts, he said.

"Relying on foreign powers and seeking independence by force is surely a path to destruction. China must and will be reunified. No one should underestimate the resolute determination, firm will and strong ability of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added.