Delivering a speech at the Moscow Conference on International Security, China’s defense minister, Li Shangfu, cautioned against “playing with fire” in relation to Taiwan, indirectly addressing the United States. The warning was issued amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, adding symbolism to the location.
Caption: General Li Shangfu, China’s State Councilor and Defense Minister, addresses the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security in Kubinka, Moscow, Russia, on August 15, 2024.
Li’s statement, reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency, reiterated China’s firm stance on Taiwan and its opposition to any attempts to employ it as a tool against China.
This stance aligns with past statements from Chinese authorities, but the context of his speech gains significance against the backdrop of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The Chinese Communist Party asserts sovereignty over Taiwan and has expressed its determination to bring it under its control, even by military means if necessary.
Notably, the Moscow conference also marked the commencement of Li’s six-day visit to Russia and its ally Belarus. The event drew senior defense officials from over 20 “friendly states,” excluding Western nations, as highlighted by Russia’s defense ministry, which annually organizes the forum.
Li, addressing the attendees, emphasized China’s military role in maintaining global peace and highlighted Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s efforts to stabilize security in a tumultuous world. He expressed a willingness to collaborate with other militaries to build trust and cooperation.
His meeting with the Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu aimed to foster military cooperation between the two countries. This collaboration includes joint exercises, such as the recent joint naval patrol off the coast of Alaska.
China’s Defense Chief’s Diplomacy Amid Increasing US-Taiwan Concerns
Aside from his engagements at the conference, the Chinese defense chief, Li Shangfu, held bilateral meetings with defense departments and military leaders from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and other countries on the sidelines of the event.
Li’s remarks regarding Taiwan coincide with recent developments, as Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai plans stopovers in the United States during an official visit to Paraguay, drawing Beijing’s criticism and backlash. China’s foreign ministry labelled Lai a “troublemaker” through and through.”
The United States maintains an unofficial relationship with Taiwan, offering defense support as mandated by law, despite formally recognizing Beijing’s authority in 1979. Lai, speaking in New York, emphasized Taiwan’s unwavering stance against China’s threats and affirmed their commitment to democracy and freedom.
China has escalated its military provocations toward Taiwan, particularly following interactions between Taiwanese officials and US lawmakers. With Putin’s Ukraine invasion, Taiwan’s security significance in Asia has grown, as parallels between the situations have raised questions about China’s intentions.
Analysts speculate that China’s observation of Western responses to Russia’s actions in Ukraine may influence its strategy for potential future actions concerning Taiwan.
Recent Taiwan VP’s US Transit Adds Strain to Tense China-US Relations
William Lai, a leading contender in Taiwan’s upcoming presidential race, asserted Taiwan’s unwavering stance against China’s growing threats while in transit through the United States. Despite Beijing’s criticism of his trip, Lai stopped in New York en route to Paraguay, where he will attend the inauguration of its new president.
Caption: Taiwan VP William Lai Asserts Firmness Against Authoritarian Threats During US Stopover
Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, maintains formal diplomatic relations with only 13 states, including Paraguay, as China’s Communist Party claims it as its territory without historical control. Lai emphasized the importance of international concern for Taiwan’s survival during a speech in New York.
It’s noteworthy that Taiwan officials’ visits to the US are referred to as “transits” due to the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two governments. Lai’s transit follows Taiwan President Tsai’s similar trip to California earlier, which triggered live-fire military exercises by China around Taiwan.
