China will fight to the end to prevent Taiwan’s independence

China’s defense minister said Sunday that China would “fight to the end” to prevent Taiwan from declaring independence, adding that tensions between Beijing and Washington have been rising over the island’s fate.

“We will fight at any cost and fight to the end. This is China’s only choice, “said Wei Fengke at the Shangri-La Dialogue Security Forum in Singapore.

“Those who pursue independence from Taiwan with the intention of dividing China will certainly not achieve their goal,” he said. “No one should underestimate the determination and capability of the Chinese armed forces in safeguarding its territorial integrity.”

His speech came the day after US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued statements condemning Beijing’s “provocative and destructive” military action near Taiwan.

China considers this democratic and self-governing island, with a population of 24 million, to be one of its historic provinces, although it has not been controlled, but has increased pressure against Taipei in recent years, for example through campaigns in the Taiwan air defense zone.

These actions have increased tensions with the United States, which are already high on many fronts. Shangri-La in Singapore.