Beijing, China — In a bold move on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced that recent military drills in the Taiwan Strait are a decisive response to foreign interference and support for “Taiwan independence.” The exercises serve as a stark warning to separatist forces in the Taiwan region.
Mao emphasized that China’s military actions are necessary, legal, and justified measures to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. She made these remarks during a daily press briefing, addressing media queries about the drills conducted by the Chinese military.
The spokesperson pointed out that the actions are believed to be linked to recent changes on the U.S. Department of State’s website regarding Taiwan policy, as well as activities by “Taiwan independence” forces. Mao criticized the United States for sending erroneous signals to separatist elements by altering language that reflected the one-China principle and previously indicated non-support for “Taiwan independence.”
“The Taiwan question lies at the heart of China’s core interests,” Mao stated, reiterating that the one-China principle is the fundamental basis of China-U.S. relations. She cautioned that mishandling this issue could destabilize the very foundation of bilateral ties between the two nations.
Mao warned that separatism for “Taiwan independence” is utterly incompatible with peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, comparing it to water and fire. She asserted that attempts to contain China using the Taiwan question would ultimately lead to self-inflicted harm.
The spokesperson urged the United States to honor commitments made by previous administrations regarding the Taiwan question. She called on the U.S. to cease provocative actions that cross red lines and to handle Taiwan-related matters with greater caution to prevent further serious damage to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and to China-U.S. relations.
