China threatens Taiwan with military action at security forum

On September 17, 2025, in Beijing, China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun intensified threats against Taiwan during his opening address at the Xiangshan Forum, a prominent security event aimed at bolstering China's military presence and leadership in the region. He characterized the unification of Taiwan with China as a critical element of post-war international order and reiterated that Beijing will not tolerate any attempts towards Taiwanese independence. Dong's remarks were delivered to an audience comprised of international military officials and reflect a long-standing Chinese narrative regarding Taiwan’s status as a breakaway province. The speech marks a continuation of China's aggressive posture towards Taiwan, significantly ramping up military pressure through near-daily incursions of warships and aircraft around the island. Dong's comments were perceived as some of the most belligerent in years, emphasizing that the People’s Liberation Army is prepared to use force to deter any external interference or support for Taiwan’s independence aspirations. In a broader context, this follows increased military showcases by China, including a recent massive parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II, where the Chinese military demonstrated its advanced capabilities and reaffirmed its resolve to maintain regional authority. Taiwan, a self-governing democracy of 23 million, firmly rejects China's claims and insists on its sovereignty, with President Lai Ching-te advocating for enhanced military capabilities to counter growing threats. As such, Taiwan is substantially increasing its defense budget by 22.9 percent in anticipation of future aggression, pushing to meet defense spending standards similar to NATO countries, despite not being a member. The political landscape around Taiwan remains further complicated by the United States' defensive posture, which includes providing military assistance to Taiwan, aimed at deterring Chinese aggression. In the backdrop of these developments, Dong’s remarks serve not only as a warning to Taiwan but also signal to the international community China's expectations of non-interference in its perceived domestic affairs. Dong's emphasis on a unified stance against separatist schemes seeking Taiwan's independence resonates with Chinese nationalist sentiments and showcases the government's willingness to employ intimidation tactics to achieve its strategic objectives. The encounter at the Xiangshan Forum fits within a larger framework of China’s intentions to assert its military prowess and political will on the global stage, particularly as it relates to neighboring nations and potential adversaries.