China Defends Military Drills Around Taiwan as ‘Legitimate’ and ‘Necessary’
In a firm statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense declared that recent military exercises conducted by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan are entirely “legitimate, necessary, and reasonable.”
Zhang Xiaogang, speaking at a press briefing, emphasized that the drills demonstrate China’s resolve to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Those who play with fire will eventually get burned,” Zhang warned, in reference to separatist activities seeking “Taiwan independence.”
Over the past few days, the PLA Eastern Theater Command has carried out multi-subject drills in waters to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island. On Wednesday, the Shandong aircraft carrier task group was deployed to simulate strikes on ground and maritime targets east of the island.
Zhang condemned the provocative actions of the Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te, accusing them of escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait. He asserted that the PLA’s exercises serve as a strong deterrent against those who intentionally instigate conflicts.
“Taiwan independence and peace in the Strait are as irreconcilable as fire and water,” Zhang stated. He called on other countries to adhere to the one-China principle and to stop sending wrong signals to separatist forces in Taiwan.
Looking ahead, Zhang affirmed that the PLA will continue to intensify military training and preparedness. “We will resolutely crush all ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities and firmly advance the process of China’s national reunification,” he declared.
