China FM: Taiwan, foreign supporters ‘playing with fire’

BEIJING (AP) — China’s foreign minister has warned Taiwan and its supporters that they are “playing with fire” if they go against Beijing’s demand to exert control over the self-governing island democracy. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory to be annexed by force if necessary. Qin Gang’s remarks Friday gave higher visibility to the Chinese threats in front of an international audience. China has usually delegated threatening statements to spokespeople or lower-lever diplomats in news releases or bilateral settings. Qin’s comments came at the end of a speech praising Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative. China says its single-party political system offers social stability and economic growth.