Defense Ministry Describes PLA's Drills Around Taiwan as 'Legitimate, Necessary'
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense stated that the recent multi-subject exercises carried out by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the waters surrounding Taiwan Island are entirely legitimate, necessary, and reasonable.
TroibNews 
On Wednesday, a representative from China's Ministry of National Defense stated that the recent multi-subject drills carried out by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the waters surrounding Taiwan Island are entirely legitimate, necessary, and reasonable.
Zhang Xiaogang made these comments during a press briefing in response to a media inquiry.
On Tuesday, the PLA Eastern Theater Command conducted multi-subject exercises in waters to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island.
The following day, the Shandong aircraft carrier task group was deployed to carry out simulated strikes on both ground and maritime targets east of the island.
Zhang criticized the Taiwan authorities under Lai Ching-te for engaging in reckless provocative actions aimed at pursuing "Taiwan independence" and for escalating tensions across the Taiwan Straits.
According to Zhang, the PLA's drills showcase the determination and commitment to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, serving as a formidable deterrent to separatists who deliberately incite conflict.
He remarked that "Taiwan independence" and peace in the Straits are fundamentally incompatible, likening them to fire and water, and warned that those who provoke risks will ultimately suffer consequences.
Zhang stated, "The more provocations they make, the faster they will meet their demise."
He also highlighted that certain countries, in their pursuit of peace and stability in the Straits, must honor the one-China principle and refrain from sending harmful signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.
In addition, Zhang emphasized that the PLA will persist in intensifying military training and preparedness, enhance real combat capabilities to counter separatist efforts and foreign interference, and resolutely suppress all "Taiwan independence" activities, while firmly advancing China's national reunification process.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
Zhang Xiaogang made these comments during a press briefing in response to a media inquiry.
On Tuesday, the PLA Eastern Theater Command conducted multi-subject exercises in waters to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island.
The following day, the Shandong aircraft carrier task group was deployed to carry out simulated strikes on both ground and maritime targets east of the island.
Zhang criticized the Taiwan authorities under Lai Ching-te for engaging in reckless provocative actions aimed at pursuing "Taiwan independence" and for escalating tensions across the Taiwan Straits.
According to Zhang, the PLA's drills showcase the determination and commitment to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, serving as a formidable deterrent to separatists who deliberately incite conflict.
He remarked that "Taiwan independence" and peace in the Straits are fundamentally incompatible, likening them to fire and water, and warned that those who provoke risks will ultimately suffer consequences.
Zhang stated, "The more provocations they make, the faster they will meet their demise."
He also highlighted that certain countries, in their pursuit of peace and stability in the Straits, must honor the one-China principle and refrain from sending harmful signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.
In addition, Zhang emphasized that the PLA will persist in intensifying military training and preparedness, enhance real combat capabilities to counter separatist efforts and foreign interference, and resolutely suppress all "Taiwan independence" activities, while firmly advancing China's national reunification process.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
