Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun affirmed on Thursday that his country’s military will never allow separatist forces in Taiwan to succeed in their efforts toward independence, emphasizing Beijing’s commitment to the principle of Chinese territorial unity.

The minister stated,

“The People’s Liberation Army has always been an invincible force defending the reunification of the motherland,” according to Russia’s Sputnik news agency.

He added that the army “will never allow any separatist attempts aimed at Taiwan’s independence to succeed.”

Beijing considers Taiwan part of Chinese territory and has threatened to reclaim it by force if necessary. Meanwhile, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party on the island views Taiwan as an independent state.

China has warned the United States against supporting Taiwan and encouraging what it describes as “dangerous policies,” following Washington’s announcement that it would assist Taiwan if it were attacked by China.

While China possesses one of the world’s most powerful militaries—with its navy ranked first globally—Taiwan is preparing to counter any potential Chinese assault with military tactics that include mobile combat units, reducing the number of stationary forces vulnerable to attack, and focusing on electronic warfare capabilities.