BEIJING, Aug. 26 -- Borrowing strength from foreign forces is destined to be an illusion, and seeking "independence" by military means is but a dead end, said a defense spokesperson at a regular press conference on Thursday.
Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to reports that the Taiwan authorities have been stepping up the research and development of weapons and equipment in order to ensure the accomplishment of the so-called "territory” defense mission.
Tan pointed out that the one-China principle is the universal consensus of the international community, and adherence to the one-China principle is a universally recognized norm governing international relations. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities blatantly made "Taiwan independence" remarks, arrogantly clamoring for provocations, which is pure overestimation of its own strength.
China must and will be reunified, Tan stressed. No one should underestimate the Chinese people's strong will, determination and ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has maintained a state of high alert at all times and has been ready to smash any "Taiwan independence" plots by the separatist forces, said Tan.
