China's Military Exercises Around Taiwan Declared 'Legitimate' by Defense Ministry
PLA's recent drills aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
BEIJING, April 2 -- A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, Zhang Xiaogang, stated that the recent multi-subject drills conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the waters surrounding Taiwan are entirely legitimate, necessary, and reasonable.
This statement was made in response to inquiries regarding the drills reported earlier this week.
The PLA Eastern Theater Command carried out exercises on Tuesday in areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island.
Following this, the Shandong aircraft carrier task group was deployed on Wednesday to simulate strikes on both ground and maritime targets in waters east of the island.
Zhang criticized the Taiwan authorities, led by Lai Ching-te, for their provocative actions which he claims seek to promote 'Taiwan independence,' thereby escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
He emphasized that the PLA's maneuvers reflect the determination to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, acting as a deterrent against separatists who instigate conflicts.
The spokesperson highlighted that the concepts of 'Taiwan independence' and peace in the Taiwan Strait are fundamentally incompatible.
He asserted that those who engage in provocative behavior would ultimately face consequences.
Furthermore, Zhang remarked that certain nations must adhere to the one-China principle and cease sending encouraging signals to separatist forces if they genuinely desire peace and stability in the Strait.
He indicated that the PLA intends to intensify military training and readiness, improving its combat capabilities to countersecessionist movements and foreign interference, while firmly advancing the goal of national reunification.
This statement was made in response to inquiries regarding the drills reported earlier this week.
The PLA Eastern Theater Command carried out exercises on Tuesday in areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island.
Following this, the Shandong aircraft carrier task group was deployed on Wednesday to simulate strikes on both ground and maritime targets in waters east of the island.
Zhang criticized the Taiwan authorities, led by Lai Ching-te, for their provocative actions which he claims seek to promote 'Taiwan independence,' thereby escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
He emphasized that the PLA's maneuvers reflect the determination to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, acting as a deterrent against separatists who instigate conflicts.
The spokesperson highlighted that the concepts of 'Taiwan independence' and peace in the Taiwan Strait are fundamentally incompatible.
He asserted that those who engage in provocative behavior would ultimately face consequences.
Furthermore, Zhang remarked that certain nations must adhere to the one-China principle and cease sending encouraging signals to separatist forces if they genuinely desire peace and stability in the Strait.
He indicated that the PLA intends to intensify military training and readiness, improving its combat capabilities to countersecessionist movements and foreign interference, while firmly advancing the goal of national reunification.
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