China Responds to Military Exercises Around Taiwan Straits
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office addressed inquiries regarding military exercises around the Taiwan Straits on Monday. Spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the importance of the Taiwan question to China's core interests, stating that "if the foundation is shaken, whatever above it cannot stand."
Ning explained that the military operation was necessary, lawful, and legitimate to defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. It served as a firm response to external forces supporting "Taiwan independence" and a warning to separatist forces.
Ning criticized the US State Department's recent revisions to its Taiwan policy statements, viewing them as a backpedaling on the one-China policy and an attempt to use Taiwan to contain China. She stressed that the one-China principle is the bedrock of China-US relations and that "Taiwan independence" and cross-Straits peace are incompatible.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, echoed Ning's sentiments. He described the exercises as a punishment for Taiwan's promotion of "Taiwan independence" and a deterrent against external interference.
Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, viewed the exercises as a demonstration of China's resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and commitment to national reunification. He criticized the US's interference in China's internal affairs and its strategy of using Taiwan to contain China, highlighting its violation of international principles and its detrimental impact on global security and stability.
7 Comments
Eugene Alta
This is nothing more than saber-rattling from China. They're trying to distract from their own problems by creating tension in the region.
KittyKat
China's military exercises are a necessary response to the growing threat of 'Taiwan independence'.
Loubianka
These exercises are a clear message to the international community that China will not tolerate any attempts to separate Taiwan from China.
Noir Black
These exercises are a violation of international law and should be condemned by the international community.
BuggaBoom
China's actions are destabilizing the region and putting global security at risk.
Bella Ciao
China's economic coercion against Taiwan is unacceptable. The international community needs to stand up against this bullying tactic.
Coccinella
China has every right to conduct military exercises to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.