China’s Ministry of National Defense has delivered a forceful response to reported Taiwanese military movements, warning that any provocation by ‘Taiwan independence’ forces would lead to catastrophic consequences. Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin addressed media reports indicating Taiwan’s potential deployment of HIMARS artillery systems to Penghu and Dongyin islands, a strategic move that would extend strike capabilities to mainland coastal regions.
The controversial deployment plan would position High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems within range of People’s Liberation Army installations in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. This development follows additional concerns regarding alleged discussions within Taiwan’s military authority about contemplating ‘preemptive strike’ options against mainland forces.
Jiang characterized these considerations as ‘increasingly absurd and overconfident,’ emphasizing the stark power disparity between cross-strait military capabilities. The spokesperson underscored that the People’s Liberation Army maintains overwhelming defensive and responsive capacities, ensuring that any armed provocation would meet with devastating countermeasures.
The statement represents the latest escalation in rhetorical tensions between Beijing and Taipei, occurring against the backdrop of ongoing sovereignty disputes. Chinese officials maintain that Taiwan remains an inseparable part of China’s territory and have consistently opposed any moves toward formal independence or military escalation.