Chinese Spokesman Criticizes Taiwan's Military Exercises Amid Independence Aspirations

On Wednesday, Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, commented on the ongoing military exercises conducted by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration in Taiwan. He asserted that no matter how many drills are held, they cannot alter the anticipated failure of "Taiwan independence" nor impede the historical trend toward reunification with China.

Chen's remarks came as Taiwan commenced its largest military drill, the Han Kuang-41, which has seen an unprecedented increase in both duration and participant numbers. This year's simulation includes scenarios that portray a potential assault by the People's Liberation Army on Taiwan in 2027, incorporating critical elements such as responses to gray-zone harassment and joint anti-landing operations. Notably, this exercise also introduces several U.S. weaponry for the first time.

The spokesman strongly criticized the DPP for maintaining its pro-independence stance, which he argues fuels confrontation and wastes resources while contributing to the militarization of the populace. He accused the government of leading the people of Taiwan towards independence aspirations that, if pursued through military efforts, would only exacerbate tensions and threaten the safety and well-being of residents in the region.