The People’s Liberation Army has initiated comprehensive military exercises surrounding Taiwan, characterizing them as both justified and necessary operations to protect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Defense Spokesman Zhang Xiaogang formally announced these developments on Monday evening, framing the drills as a direct response to escalating external interference and separatist activities.
Zhang identified recent large-scale arms transactions between the United States and Taiwan as a primary catalyst for the military response. He asserted that such external engagements repeatedly violate established boundaries on the Taiwan question, effectively encouraging separatist movements and intensifying cross-strait tensions. The spokesman emphasized that these actions fundamentally compromise China’s national security while destabilizing regional peace.
Regarding Taiwan’s current leadership under Lai Ching-te, Zhang accused the administration of demonstrating ‘no bottom line’ in its pursuit of independence through external alliances. He characterized these maneuvers as reckless provocations that fundamentally undermine the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
‘Taiwan independence is fundamentally incompatible with peaceful relations across the Strait,’ Zhang stated unequivocally. He further cautioned that international support for separatist activities would ultimately prove counterproductive for involved nations.
The defense spokesman urged relevant countries to abandon what he termed the ‘fantasy’ of utilizing Taiwan as a strategic tool against China. He specifically called for cessation of activities that ‘fan flames and stir trouble’ regarding the Taiwan question, warning against testing China’s determination to protect its core interests.
Addressing Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party authorities directly, Zhang delivered a stark message: dependence on external support for independence aspirations is destined to fail, and military resistance against reunification represents a ‘dead end.’ He affirmed the PLA’s unwavering commitment to combat separatist activities and advance reunification through continued operations against external interference and independence movements.