The Chinese Ministry of Defense announced that the joint exercises launched by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command serve as a clear warning to separatist forces pushing for „Taiwan independence“ and outside interference.
Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for the Defense Department, responded to media reports that the „Justice Mission 2025“ exercise was related to the recent announcement by the United States of a large-scale arms sale to Taiwan.
„We urge relevant countries to abandon the illusion of using Taiwan to contain China and refrain from questioning China's resolve to protect its core interests,“ Zhang said.
He also warned the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan that any attempt to achieve „Taiwan independence“ with the backing of outside forces was doomed to failure.
The PLA will continue to take steps against separatism and external interference to firmly safeguard China's national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
