Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' regular press conference on December 29, a reporter asked: This morning, the PLA Eastern Theater Command conducted military exercises near Taiwan island. It has been reported that these exercises are in response to the recent US announcement of a $11.1 billion large-scale arms sale to Taiwan region. What is the spokesperson's comment on this?

In response, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that the spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command has already released information regarding the military exercises. The military exercises conducted by the PLA are a serious warning against the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces' attempt to pursue "independence" by force and a necessary action to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

"I want to emphasize that the DPP authorities obstinately cling to their separatist stance, attempting to seek independence with US support, even at the cost of turning Taiwan into 'a powder keg' and 'an ammunition depot.' This fully exposes their malicious nature as 'peace disruptors', 'crisis makers' and 'war instigators.' External forces' attempts to 'use Taiwan to contain China' and arm Taiwan will only embolden the arrogance of 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and push the Taiwan Straits into a dangerous and volatile situation," Lin said.

Lin stressed that "the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests. China's determination to uphold national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity is unwavering. Any egregious act of provocation and crossing of red lines on the Taiwan question will be met with resolute countermeasures from the Chinese side. No sinister scheme to obstruct China's reunification will succeed."