Wu Qian, spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense. Photo: VCG

 China's Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday slammed the visit of three US senators to the island of Taiwan by military plane, condemning the move as "very vicious political provocation" and warned secessionists on the island they would ultimately get burned by tying themselves to foreign forces.

Wu Qian, spokesperson of the ministry, said at a press conference on Tuesday that the visit was a "political show" using the Taiwan question to challenge the one-China principle, in attempt to "use Taiwan island to contain China."

Wu's remarks came after US Senator Tammy Duckworth, accompanied by senators Christopher Coons and Dan Sullivan, landed at Taipei's Songshan Airport in a C-17 US military aircraft on Sunday morning in a so-called three-hour vaccine aid visit, with their activities confined to the military area of the airport due to an "epidemic prevention request," according to Taiwan media.

Wu said the move has seriously violated the one-China principle and provisions of the Three China-US Joint Communiqués which are widely acknowledged by the international community, seriously undermined the foundation of China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and seriously damaged the fundamental interests of all Chinese including Taiwan compatriots. It is extremely irresponsible and very dangerous.

Wu warned the secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island that it will ultimately burn itself by tying itself too tightly with foreign forces.

The ministry urged the US to immediately stop any form of official exchanges and military contacts with the island and not to send any wrong signals to encourage the secessionists in the island.

The future of the island of Taiwan lies in reunification with the motherland, and the well-being of the Taiwan compatriots depends on national rejuvenation, Wu stressed, noting that the Chinese mainland must and will reunify with Taiwan.

If anyone dares to separate Taiwan island from China, the Chinese People's Liberation Army "will give it a head-on strike" and firmly defend national reunification and territorial integrity at all costs, Wu said.

Global Times