The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has defended its recent military exercises around the island of Taiwan, calling them a “legitimate and necessary” response to separatist remarks made by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, stated that the naval and air forces of the PLA Eastern Theater Command conducted readiness patrols and joint exercises near Taiwan to “test and enhance their war-fighting capabilities.”
Wu emphasized that these drills serve as an effective deterrent against “Taiwan independence” separatists and act as a stern warning against external forces interfering in cross-strait affairs.
Lai Ching-te had recently made statements claiming that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are “not subordinate to each other” and referred to the Chinese mainland as a “foreign hostile force.” Such remarks have been seen by the Chinese mainland as provocative and undermining the one-China principle.
In response to media queries about the timing of the military exercises, Wu noted that the PLA is committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We will remain ready and able to fight and win at all times and will take resolute measures to defeat any separatist attempt for ‘Taiwan independence,'” he said.
The PLA’s actions come amid heightened tensions in the region, with concerns over increased collaboration between Taiwan and external actors. The Chinese mainland considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and opposes any form of separatism.
The spokesperson reiterated the PLA’s commitment to implementing the Party’s overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, emphasizing peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
