Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council

In response to media inquiry over the latest "Justice Mission 2025" joint military drills conducted by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command, which have drawn considerable attention and triggered strong reactions on the island of Taiwan, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han said on Wednesday that the PLA’s military operations constitute a stern warning to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and to external forces interfering in China’s internal affairs. They are necessary and just measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Zhang noted that the Lai Ching-te authorities are pursuing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, engaging in unprincipled ingratiation with foreign forces and the outright betrayal of Taiwan's interests, even at the cost of the island's economic development and people's well-being. 

She said the Lai authorities are recklessly charging down a dangerous path of colluding with external forces to seek “independence” and make provocations, and pursuing aggressive militarization. Such actions gravely undermine cross-Straits relations, seriously threaten peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, and severely damage the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation as well as the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots. 

We will never tolerate or condone any "Taiwan independence" separatist behavior, we will strike it decisively and forcefully, Zhang stressed. 

Zhang said that any external forces attempting to intervene in the Taiwan question or interfere in China’s internal affairs will inevitably crash against the ironclad defense of the PLA and get their heads bashed.

The historical momentum toward national reunification is irresistible. No one should underestimate China’s resolute determination, unwavering will, and formidable capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, she added. 

Zhang further stated that compatriots on both sides of the Straits are one family. These military operations are directed solely at "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference. Their purpose is to deter "Taiwan independence" forces from colluding with external powers to destabilize the Taiwan Straits, thereby fundamentally protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the core interests of the Chinese nation and the immediate well-being of Taiwan compatriots. They are in no way aimed at the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots.

We hope that the overwhelming majority of Taiwan compatriots will clearly recognize the extreme danger and harm of the Lai Ching-te authorities' "Taiwan independence" separatist path, stand with us in firmly opposing "Taiwan independence" separatism and foreign interference, safeguard our shared homeland of the Chinese nation, and jointly forge a bright future of national reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Zhang added. 

Global Times