Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), answers questions at a regular press briefing on the afternoon of November 15, 2024.
BEIJING, Nov. 15 -- "We urged the US side to immediately stop arming Taiwan and cease its dangerous actions jeopardizing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, on Friday in response to a media query on Taiwan's receipt of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from the US.
It's reported that Taiwan was considering purchasing a big package of US weapons, to show the incoming US administration its seriousness about strengthening its own defense. The US side disclosed that Taiwan secretly dispatched troops to the US for training on HIMARS, and the defense authorities of Taiwan also confirmed that 11 sets of HIMARS had been received.
Snr. Col. Zhang urged the US side to immediately stop arming Taiwan and cease its dangerous actions jeopardizing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. "The DPP authorities sell the interests of the people in Taiwan to ingratiate its 'US master' and attempt to solicit external support for 'Taiwan independence'. Such behaviors will only push Taiwan closer to the brink of war," he slammed.
"We warn the DPP authorities that buying more weapons is futile and will only end up in self-destruction. The Chinese PLA will enhance combat readiness and the ability to fight and win, and firmly thwart any attempt for 'Taiwan independence' and any interference by external forces," stressed Snr. Col. Zhang.