FM slams external meddling in PLA drills around Taiwan, stresses they are ‘a stern warning to separatists’

In response to the accusations from some countries, including the US, Japan and the EU over the Chinese People's Liberation Army's joint exercises around the Taiwan island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that such claims made by a handful of countries and organizations disregard facts, distort right and wrong, and interfere in China's internal affairs. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.

According to media reports, the EU accused China of increasing cross-strait tensions by holding military drills around Taiwan, and called on all parties to "exercise restraint." 

A US Department of State spokesperson claimed that there is no justification for "China's irresponsible threats and military pressure operations" near Taiwan island. 

The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and allows no external interference. What undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits are the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" forces and the indulgence and support of external forces, Guo said.

If these countries and organizations genuinely wish to see peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, they should follow the prevailing international consensus of upholding the one-China principle, honor their political commitments to China, respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose any form of "Taiwan independence," Guo said. 

Guo emphasized that advocating "Taiwan independence" and supporting separatist forces constitutes interference in China's internal affairs. Condoning "Taiwan independence" activities undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. 

The joint military exercises conducted by the PLA are a firm countermeasure against the provocative separatist attempts by the Lai Ching-te authorities, a stern warning to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces seeking to undermine cross-Straits peace, and a responsible action to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. No external forces have any right to make irresponsible remarks on this matter, said Guo.

Guo stated that as long as "Taiwan independence" provocations continue, countermeasures to oppose "independence" will not cease. China will never allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan island from China in any way. The country will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Guo.