China’s new defence minister, Dong Jun, delivered a stern message on Taiwan and criticized the Philippines during his debut at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security forum in Singapore. Addressing defence officials and international observers, Dong reiterated Beijing’s firm stance against Taiwanese independence and external support for it, emphasizing that Beijing would not permit any country to “create war or chaos” in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Whoever dares to split Taiwan from China will be crushed to pieces and invite their own destruction,” Dong asserted.
During a combative question and answer session following his speech, Dong refrained from discussing Ukraine or allegations of China's close collaboration with Russia and involvement in cyberattacks. Instead, he reasserted Beijing’s position on its core interests, particularly Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Dong’s appearance at this high-profile forum comes six months into his new role and two weeks after the inauguration of Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing views as a “troublemaker” and a threat to cross-strait peace. Dong stated that Beijing remains committed to “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, but accused Taiwan separatists and external forces of undermining this goal. He claimed that major People’s Liberation Army drills following Lai’s inauguration were a response to Taiwan’s unilateral actions to change the status quo.
Lai’s inauguration speech “exposed their ambition” for independence, Dong added.
Although Dong did not directly mention the United States, his remarks clearly pointed to Washington as the “external force” pushing Taiwan into danger and stirring trouble in the South China Sea under the guise of “freedom of navigation.” He declared, “We will not allow hegemony and power politics to harm the Asia-Pacific. Nor will we allow geopolitical conflicts, cold wars or hot wars to be introduced into the Asia-Pacific. Nor will we allow any country or any force to create war and chaos here.”
The United States, while not recognizing Taiwan as an independent state, opposes any forceful attempts to take it and is legally bound to supply arms for its defense. Regarding China-US military relations, Dong noted that China’s stance is “consistent and clear” and is open to exchanges and cooperation, but this requires mutual effort. He emphasized, “As we see it, it is because the two militaries have differences that there is a greater need for communication. Even though we have different development paths, we should not pursue confrontation with each other.”
On Friday, Dong met his US counterpart Lloyd Austin in a rare face-to-face meeting, which Beijing described as “positive, practical, and constructive.”
Dong also addressed the South China Sea, another contentious area where Chinese and Philippine coastguard vessels have recently clashed near disputed reefs. While the US has no territorial claims in these waters, it supports freedom of navigation and its allies, including the Philippines. Beijing’s extensive claims in the region overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Dong emphasized that peace is “vital” for regional prosperity and urged countries to not let disputes hinder development and cooperation. “Thanks to concerted efforts made by countries in the region, the South China Sea has seen overall stability,” he stated. However, he accused a “certain country emboldened by outside powers” of breaking bilateral agreements and making provocations, clearly referring to the Philippines.
Dong expressed hope that the forum would contribute to regional stability rather than become a verbal “wrestling” match. A US official, speaking anonymously, criticized Dong’s speech, saying it contradicted the reality of the People’s Liberation Army’s actions in the region.
Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific programme at the German Marshall Fund, highlighted a “huge gap” between China’s rhetoric and its actions, noting that Dong’s refusal to answer certain questions reflected China’s disregard for international rules.
PLA senior colonel Cao Yanzhong defended Dong’s speech, stating it was necessary to explain Beijing’s position as Lai was testing China’s limits, posing a real danger. Cao warned that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan were downplaying the risk of war in the strait, misleading the Taiwanese people.
Cao emphasized that Dong’s speech represented Beijing’s “common security” approach, while the US pursued “the security of blocs.”
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