In a firm statement on Monday, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense of the Chinese mainland, declared that any attempts by separatists seeking “Taiwan independence” are destined to fail. Responding to media inquiries, Wu emphasized the unwavering position of the Chinese mainland on the matter.
“We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force and will not leave any room for ‘Taiwan independence’,” Wu stated.
The remarks came in the wake of military drills conducted by the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Monday. The command organized troops from the army, navy, air force, and rocket force to carry out exercises in the Taiwan Strait and in areas to the north, south, and east of the island of Taiwan.
Wu noted that these drills were specifically aimed at countering “Taiwan independence” separatists but stressed that they did not target Taiwan compatriots. The exercises are seen as a direct response to recent activities advocating for the independence of the island of Taiwan, which the Chinese mainland considers a part of its territory.
The Chinese mainland has consistently maintained that the reunification with the island of Taiwan is inevitable. While advocating for peaceful means, authorities have not ruled out the use of force to prevent any secessionist movements.
“The resolve, will, and capability of the Chinese mainland to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity should not be underestimated,” Wu added.
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'Taiwan independence' activities doomed to fail: mainland spokesperson
cgtn.com