Taiwan has responded to China's threat to "set off war" following the visit of a US State Department official, which reportedly irked Beijing.
“How do you deal with a neighbour sending you death threats just for having dinner with friends visiting from afar? Asking for a friend,” Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
This came after a ‘threat’ issued by the Chinese mouthpiece Global Times after Keith Krach, undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, visited the nation.
“Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen, who pledged deeper ties with the US at a dinner for a visiting senior State Department official, is clearly playing with fire. If any act of her provocation violates the Anti-Secession Law of China, a war will be set off and Tsai will be wiped out," Global Times stated.
During Krach's visit, President Tsai Ing-wen pledged deeper ties with the US. “I hope that Taiwan and the United States continue to work together to promote peace, stability, prosperity and development in the Indo-Pacific, positively impacting the region," said the President.
She added, "Taiwan is committed to taking key steps, and engaging in exchanges of opinion to bring about a new milestone in the deepening of Taiwan-US economic cooperation."
The visit of the senior-most US official has angered China. In a show of force by Beijing, scores of Chinese jets reportedly crossed the midline of Taiwan strait during the US official's visit.
Taiwan's air force scrambled jets and deployed air defence missile system to monitor China's activities.
“PLA's military intimidation is deplorable and has caused resentment among people in Taiwan. We call on PRC to cherish peace and maintain regional stability," said Taiwan Ministry of Defence in a tweet after Friday's incident.
Earlier this month, Taiwan warned China not to "cross the line" saying that it wants peace but will defend its people.