The Chinese military issued a stark warning on Sunday, stating that it would tighten the "noose" around Taiwan if separatist movements on the island continued to grow.
The warning, delivered during China's annual "Two Sessions" political event, urged supporters of Taiwan independence to either reconsider their stance or face the consequences, according to state media reports cited by AFP.
"The more aggressive the Taiwan independence separatists become, the tighter the noose will be around them, and the sharper the sword above their heads," said Chinese military spokesperson Wu Qian, as quoted by the China News Agency.
Wu went on to describe the Chinese military as a force dedicated to "combating separatism and promoting reunification" and issued a cautionary message to Taiwan’s pro-independence advocates.
"You have ridden your horse to the edge of a cliff, but behind you is solid ground. If you continue in the wrong direction, you will reach a dead end," he warned.
Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to reclaim control over the island. Since then, the tensions have continued to rise which is largely due to China increasing its military drills and diplomatic pressure to assert its claims.
During the "Two Sessions" meetings, which bring thousands of political delegates to Beijing, China announced plans to raise its defense budget by 7.2% in 2025, mirroring last year’s increase.
Officials argue that the expanded budget is necessary to enhance military capabilities, conduct training exercises, and improve equipment for the armed forces.
China regularly emphasizes its commitment to what it calls "reunification," while Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, rejects Beijing’s claims and continues to seek international support.
