China’s latest warning to US ally Taiwan added to concerns amid Beijing’s growing military and economic intimidation of the island. Beijing threatened that its military is ready to “forcefully” stop Taiwan’s independence while calling for greater exchanges with the US. Defence minister Dong Jun threatened that Taiwan is pursuing independence and those who support it will “end up in self-destruction”. Dong warned that the prospect of peaceful “reunification” with Taiwan is being increasingly “eroded” by Taiwanese separatists and external forces. China also warned that it will not allow any country to ignite “cold or hot wars” in the Asia-Pacific region, said the Chinese defence minister in a veiled threat to Taiwan’s allies.