Beijing warns 'hegemonic powers to stay out of the Asia-Pacific

Defence minister’s comment comes day after the US pledges its commitment

- Yew Lun Tian

The Chinese defence minister has warned “hegemonic powers” to stay out of the Asia-Pacific, one day after his US counterpart proffered his country’s commitment to the region.

External forces, charged Admiral Dong Jun, have worked with separatists to erode the prospects of peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

Speaking on June 2 at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Adm Dong pinned the blame for escalating tensions in Asia – whether in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea – on the US, without directly naming it.

Anyone who dares split Taiwan from China will be “crushed to pieces” and destroyed, he warned.

“Speaking as a defence minister, I tell you frankly that we are very well-prepared for any extreme scenario related to Taiwan independence,” Adm Dong, a former Navy chief, said.

“It would be as easy as catching a turtle in a jar, nothing to sweat about,” he added, using a Chinese idiom.

Trying to fight the People’s Liberation Army is as futile as “the praying mantis that tries to block a cart with its arm”, he said.

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China has never renounced the use of force to “take back” Taiwan and views the self-ruled island as its territory, a claim rejected by Taipei. The US is obligated by its Taiwan Relations Act to provide the island with the arms it needs to defend itself.