UK Defence Secretary Wallace warns Taiwan to settle dispute with China

This may include adverts from us and 3 rd parties based on our understanding. Amid a period of high tensions, Britain's Defence Secretary warned Taiwan to settle its dispute with China through peaceful communication or a conflict may occur. Mr Wallace said at a NATO meeting in Brussels that China's incursion into Taiwan's air defence zone was incredibly dangerous. He also stated any military posturing from Beijing was unwise as the West focuses its attention on the Indo-Pacific region.

Mr Wallace said: Militarily they are posturing, as we've seen. You're in danger of destabilising the region, you're in danger of provoking further conflict in other disputed areas. The difference between mainland China and Taiwan needs to be resolved through peaceful methods. Mr Wallace's comments come as a record number of Chinese planes entered Taiwan's air defence zone this month. It is estimated that up to 150 aircraft have entered Taiwan's air defence system. Mr Wallace also drew parallels with Hong Kong which came under the one country, two systems framework after the UK handed the province over to China in 1997. Amid a crackdown on Hong Kong, the Chinese government introduced the security law to stop dissent. JUST IN: Brexit LIVE: Thornberry blasts government for NZ deal.

He said: I think it's why we were so worried about Taiwan, because Hong Kong was effectively included in the 'one country, two systems'. China has long claimed it will reclaim Taiwan which it sees as a breakaway province from the mainland. Taiwan is not officially recognised as an official state but does have diplomatic offices in multiple countries. Land Of The Free is dead Joe Biden's USA is a weak and dangerous place Update Over 30 people killed and one injured in China Insight South China SeaChina Sea backlash as Philippines protests provocative acts Latest Taiwan also has a defence agreement with the US who pledged to supply the island with arms to defend itself. Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, raised concerns over China's military activity in the Taiwan Strait. Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission's Executive Vice President, told the EU Parliament: China has stepped up its pressure on Taiwan and its military presence in the Strait. We have seen repeated incursions of Chinese planes across the median line and in Taiwan s air defence identification zone.