A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense stated that a recent military exercise conducted by the PLA in the areas surrounding the island of Taiwan is entirely legitimate and necessary. Naval and air troops from the PLA Eastern Theater Command carried out readiness patrols and joint drills designed to test and enhance their warfighting capabilities.
The announcement came on the heels of remarks by the leader of the Taiwan region, Lai Ching-te, who claimed that the two sides across the Taiwan Strait are "not subordinate to each other" and characterized the Chinese mainland as a "foreign hostile force." Some observers believe that the PLA maneuver was a direct response to these statements as well as recent cooperation between Taiwan and external forces.
In addressing media inquiries, Wu Qian emphasized the importance of the operations, adding, "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 described the exercise as an effective deterrence against separatist actions and a strong warning to any external interference.
This development underscores the ongoing tensions in cross-strait affairs and the PLA's commitment to implementing the Party's overall strategy for addressing the Taiwan question in the new era. The measured response aims to safeguard national sovereignty and contribute to regional stability as the global community closely watches these evolving dynamics.
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Spokesperson: PLA military drill around Taiwan legitimate, necessary
cgtn.com
