At the December 31 press conference of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, a reporter asked for comment on the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command’s organization, starting on December 29, of forces from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force to conduct the “Justice Mission–2025” exercise around Taiwan, which has drawn close attention on the island and caused strong reactions.
In response, Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that the PLA’s relevant military actions constitute a solemn warning to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external interference, and are a necessary and just measure to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Lai Ching-te authorities are engaging in “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, currying favor with foreign forces without principles and selling out Taiwan without limits. They are willing to sacrifice Taiwan’s economic development and people’s well-being as they recklessly rush down a misguided path of colluding with external forces to pursue “independence” provocations and militarization. This has severely damaged cross-Strait relations, gravely threatened peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and seriously harmed the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots. Any “Taiwan independence” separatist actions will never be tolerated or indulged and will be met with decisive and severe blows.
Taiwan is China’s Taiwan. Any external forces that attempt to intervene in the Taiwan question or interfere in China’s internal affairs will inevitably smash themselves against the Great Wall of steel forged by the People’s Liberation Army and suffer crushing defeat. The historical trend toward national reunification is unstoppable, and no one should underestimate our firm resolve, unwavering will, or strong capability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. These military actions are directed at “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference, and are intended to deter “Taiwan independence” forces from colluding with external powers to bring turmoil to the Taiwan Strait. Their purpose is to fundamentally safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, protect the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, and safeguard the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots. They are by no means targeted at the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots.
He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the extreme danger and harm of the Lai Ching-te authorities’ “Taiwan independence” separatist path, join in resolutely opposing “Taiwan independence” separatism and foreign interference, firmly safeguard the shared home of the Chinese nation, and work together to create a bright future of national reunification and national rejuvenation.