Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun warned Taiwan and its allies on Sunday that anyone attempting to separate the self-governing democratic island from China will be "smashed and will lead to its collapse."

Dong pledged, while speaking at the "Shangri-La Dialogue" security conference in Singapore, that the People's Liberation Army of China would act "decisively and forcefully" to prevent Taiwan's "independence," according to CCTV.

The Chinese defense minister also indirectly criticized the United States for selling arms to Taiwan.

Dong stated that external forces are increasingly undermining the "One China" principle through "salami slicing" (a series of small actions that result in a much larger outcome than expected, which are difficult or illegal to implement all at once), shaping laws related to Taiwan, selling arms to Taiwan, and maintaining illegal official communications.

He noted that these "malicious intentions" would endanger Taiwan, adding that China remains committed to a peaceful reunification, yet this prospect is threatened by "Taiwan independence forces."