China warns U.S. as Taiwan tensions simmer ahead

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement cautioning the United States against "playing with fire" in relation to Taiwan. This statement is in reaction to remarks made by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, accusing China of preparing for an invasion of Taiwan.

In a statement published just before midnight local time, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Beijing has submitted a protest note to American diplomatic authorities. Chinese officials expressed opposition to the U.S. using the Taiwan issue as a bargaining tool.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore, Hegseth accused China of preparing to use military force in the Asia-Pacific region. French President Emmanuel Macron also attended his speech, underscoring the international significance of the event.

China did not send a representative to the Shangri-La Dialogue conference, the largest security and defense forum in Asia. Beijing views the Taiwan issue as an internal matter and insists that other countries should not interfere.

Chinese authorities emphasize that the United States should not use Taiwan as a tool to limit China's influence. Beijing warns that such actions could lead to a dangerous escalation of tensions.

With growing tensions in the region, the situation around Taiwan remains a key point of contention in China-U.S. relations. In April, China conducted maneuvers around Taiwan, practicing blocking the island among other exercises.

Recently, China-U.S. relations have also faced strain due to the trade war. Donald Trump accused China of violating the terms of a preliminary trade agreement. He also canceled visas for Chinese students.