CHINA’S foreign minister has warned anyone challenging its sovereignty and territorial rights over Taiwan that they are “playing with fire.” 

Qin Gang’s remarks on Friday came at the end of a speech where he highlighted China’s contribution to the global economy and slammed those who continued to try to interfere in Chinese domestic affairs. 

Earlier this month, United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy held a highly provocative meeting in California with Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen. 

Speaking at the Lanting Forum in Shanghai, Mr Qin said: “The safeguarding of national sovereignty and territorial integrity is beyond reproach.

“The Taiwan problem is at the core of China’s core interests.

“We will never back down in the face of any act that undermines China’s sovereignty and security. Those who play with fire on the question of Taiwan will burn themselves.”

He added: “Recently there has been absurd rhetoric accusing China of upending the status quo, disrupting peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

“The logic is absurd and the conclusion dangerous.”

The foreign minister said: “Fair minded people can see who is engaged in hegemonic bullying and high minded practices.

“It is not the Chinese mainland but the Taiwan independence separatist forces and a handful of countries attempting to disrupt the status quo.”