Beijing: China on Wednesday declared that Taiwan's arms acquisitions from the United States "won't protect Taiwan independence forces," according to a report by the state-run Global Times newspaper.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, addressed reports indicating that Taiwan's ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is considering arms purchases from Washington valued between $7 billion and $10 billion. Zhu criticized the move as an effort to enhance relations with the administration of US President Donald Trump. She stated, "'Protection fees' won't protect 'Taiwan independence' forces, and the 'chess pieces' will inevitably turn into 'abandoned pieces.'"

Zhu's remarks came in response to a statement by Taiwan's leader, Lai Ching-te, who had claimed that "Taiwan is a chess player, not a chess piece." Zhu dismissed this assertion as "self-deceptive and laughable." She argued that Taiwan's financial commitments to the US are merely an attempt to demonstrate loyalty, which risks transforming Taiwan into a "powder keg."

The spokeswoman warned that such actions would only lead to hardship for Taiwan's citizens and criticized the DPP's strategy of attempting to "seek independence by relying on foreign forces." Zhu emphasized that "'Taiwan independence' is incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait" and reiterated China's stance that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory. She underscored that any efforts to separate Taiwan from China would not be tolerated by the Chinese populace or the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

The geopolitical tension is further complicated by economic factors, as President Trump has threatened tariffs on chip imports. Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest chipmaker, plays a crucial role by supplying semiconductors to major US companies like Nvidia and Apple. Last week, Lai announced plans for Taiwan to propose a special defense budget and mentioned intentions to encourage Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US while fostering better communication with Washington.