PLA exercises stern warning to Taiwan separatist forces

The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army's joint training exercises around the Taiwan Strait serves as a stern warning to separatist forces attempting to disrupt peace in the Taiwan Strait and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a Chinese mainland spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

The Eastern Theater Command began inter-service combat exercises around Taiwan Island on Tuesday.

According to Zhu Fenglian, the spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the drills are a resolute response to the provocative actions of the Lai Ching-te administration seeking "Taiwan independence".

She condemned Lai's persistent advocacy of a separatist stance, calling the mainland as "external hostile forces" and promoting the so-called "17 strategies" to counter the mainland, obstructing cross-Strait exchanges, and escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

"These behaviors solidified Lai's role as a disruptor of cross-Strait peace and a creator of Taiwan Strait crises, fully exposing his anti-peace, anti-dialogue, anti-democracy and anti-humanity nature," she said.

"In response, there will be no tolerance or leniency, but rather resolute countermeasures and strict punishment."

The spokeswoman emphasized that "Taiwan independence" means war and pursuing such a path would endanger the people of Taiwan.

The unwavering determination and unyielding capabilities to resolve the Taiwan question and achieve national reunification will not permit any individual or force to separate Taiwan island from China, leaving no room for any form of separatist activities, she said.

It is crucial to note that the countermeasures are directed at separatist activities and not aimed at broader Taiwan compatriots, she added.