China's defense ministry warns DPP authorities that U.S. weapons cannot save Taiwan

BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Monday warned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities that U.S. weapons cannot save them, and soliciting external support for "Taiwan independence" will only fail.

Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry about reports that the United States is transporting a new batch of M1A2 tanks to Taiwan and plans to increase its arms sales to Taiwan over the next four years.

The inquiry also quoted a former U.S. military official saying that about 500 U.S. military personnel are operating in Taiwan, which is over ten times the number previously disclosed by the U.S. Congress.

"This is another solid piece of evidence that the U.S. side and the 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces are taking efforts to violate China's core interests, change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and escalate regional tensions," said Jiang.

The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations, he said.

"We urge the U.S. side to stop its military collusion with Taiwan in any form; otherwise, it will get burned for playing with fire and gain more harm than good," said Jiang.

The People's Liberation Army will continue to strengthen military training and combat readiness and enhance its capability to fight and win, said Jiang, adding that China will take resolute measures to thwart "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.