China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office announced on Thursday that recent military drills conducted by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) surrounding the island of Taiwan are a resolute response to provocative remarks made by Lai Ching-te, the new leader of the Taiwan region.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the office, stated at a press briefing that Lai’s speech on Monday openly advocated for “Taiwan independence,” challenging the one-China principle and promoting the “two-state” theory. According to Chen, Lai has persistently sought to internationalize the Taiwan question and pursue separatist goals by relying on external forces and hinting at the use of force.
“The PLA drills serve as a stern warning against both the separatist forces advocating ‘Taiwan independence’ and external entities attempting to interfere in China’s internal affairs,” Chen emphasized. “We will never tolerate any separatist acts in any form.”
Chen reassured that the countermeasures are not aimed at the compatriots in Taiwan. “We hope that our Taiwan compatriots will stand firmly on the right side of history,” he said. “Together, we can oppose the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ and external interference to achieve national reunification.”
The tensions highlight the delicate state of cross-strait relations, as the Chinese mainland continues to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan, while the Taiwan authorities, under Lai’s leadership, appear to push for a distinct international identity.
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Taiwan Affairs Office says PLA drills a response to Lai's speech
cgtn.com
