China’s defense minister Gen. Wei Fenghe has warned that its military will resolutely take action to defend Beijing’s claims over self-ruled Taiwan and disputed South China Sea waters.

Speaking at an annual security conference in Singapore today, Wei did not direct the threat at the U.S but loaded his address with criticism of activities by Washington, including support for Taiwan and leading so-called freedom of navigation operations in the strategic waterways that China virtually claims as its own.

Wei said, the People’s Liberation Army would not yield a single inch of the country’s sacred land.