China’s Military Vows to Tighten Grip on Taiwan if Separatism Escalates
Tighter Noose around Taiwan’s Neck
China’s military has vowed to tighten its "noose" around Taiwan if separatism on the island escalates, warning independence proponents to step back from the "precipice". Beijing considers the self-ruled island of Taiwan to be part of its territory and has not ruled out using military force to claim it.
China’s Military Drills and Pressure
China has increased pressure on Taiwan’s authorities in recent years with military drills and frequent dispatches of fighter jets and naval vessels around the island. The Chinese military is a force of action in countering separatism and promoting reunification, according to army spokesman Wu Qian.
China’s Defence Budget Increase
The comments come days after Beijing announced a 7.2% increase to its defence budget in 2025. The increase will drive the rapid modernisation of China’s armed forces as strategic competition with the United States intensifies. The extra cash will be used to develop "combat forces in new fields and with new qualities", and to enhance reconnaissance, joint strike, and battlefield support capabilities.
China’s Military Spending
China’s military spending has been on the rise for decades, broadly in line with economic growth. The country has the world’s second-largest defence budget, but lags well behind the United States, its primary strategic rival. Beijing’s 1.78-trillion-yuan (245.7-billion) budget for this year is still less than a third of Washington’s. Military spending last year made up 1.6% of its GDP, far less than the United States or Russia.
China’s Territorial Claims
China faces "one of the most complex neighbouring security situations in the world", according to army spokesman Wu. The country has to deal with "severe challenges" in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, its sweeping territorial claims over areas controlled by other governments have raised fears of a regional clash.
Taiwan: A Potential Flashpoint
Taiwan is a potential flashpoint for a war between China and the United States, which is the island’s most important backer and biggest arms supplier. On Friday, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a press conference that Taiwan coming under China’s control was the "shared hope of all Chinese people, the general trend of the time, and a righteous cause". "Using Taiwan to control China is just like trying to stop a car with the arm of a mantis," he said.
Conclusion
China’s military has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take action to maintain its sovereignty over Taiwan, and its increasing military spending is a testament to its commitment to defending its territory. The situation in the region remains tense, and it is crucial for all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is China’s stance on Taiwan?
China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and has not ruled out using military force to claim it. - What is China’s military spending?
China’s military spending has been on the rise for decades, with a 7.2% increase in 2025. - What is the current situation in the South China Sea?
China has increasingly flexed its muscles in the region, including in the South China Sea, which it claims almost entirely despite an international arbitration ruling that declared its stance baseless.