Published: 17:47, September 18, 2025
Minister reaffirms PLA's resolve to counter any interference in Taiwan
By Jiang Chenglong
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, Sept 18, 2025. (ZOU HONG / CHINADAILY.COM.CN)

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun reaffirmed on Thursday that the People's Liberation Army will never allow any attempt for "Taiwan independence" to succeed, stressing that it is prepared to thwart any external military interference on the Taiwan question at any time.

He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, where he highlighted Taiwan's return to China in 1945 from Japanese occupation as an important part of the post-war international order.

In his speech, Dong emphasized that the post-war international order must be safeguarded.

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"For the past 80 years, the United Nations-centered international system has established universally recognized purposes and principles, laying the foundation for overall world peace," he said.

Dong stressed that Taiwan is an integral part of China and that it's a historical and legal fact that brooks no challenge.

"The PLA has always been an indestructible force for safeguarding national reunification. It will never allow any separatist attempt for 'Taiwan independence' to succeed, and it stands ready to thwart any external military interference at any time," he said.