Questions: Why is it that China’s recent military exercises were a necessary move to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity?
Embassy Spokesperson: From April 8 to 10, the PLA Eastern Theater Command conducted combat readiness security patrol encircling the Taiwan Island and carried out “Joint Sword” exercises. This was a stern warning to the provocative activities of “Taiwan independence” secessionist forces and their collusion with external forces, and a necessary move to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rather than “threatening Taiwan” with military exercises. The biggest threat to peace in the Taiwan Strait is the “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and foreign forces connivance at and support for them. It must be pointed out that the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair. The one-China principle is a prevailing consensus of the international community and a basic norm in international relations. For China, there is no room whatsoever for compromise or concession on the Taiwan question. China must and will be reunified. We will strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and efforts. That being said, we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures in response to the interference of foreign forces and the secessionist activities of a handful of “Taiwan independence” separatists. We hope the world will see clearly the nature of the Taiwan question and follow the one-China principle. “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace and stability are as irreconcilable as fire and water. To maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, one must reject all forms of “Taiwan independence” separatist activities. Foreign forces should not have wishful thinking, still less underestimate China’s firm resolve, staunch will and strong capability to defend its sovereignty and security interests.
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