During an interview on October 14, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stated that the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army organized joint exercises named “Joint Sword-2024B” today. These exercises involve the army, navy, air force, and rocket forces in the Taiwan Strait and areas around Taiwan. Chen emphasized that these maneuvers serve as a strong rebuke to Lai Qingde’s continuous fabrication of “Taiwan independence” rhetoric and his promotion of divisive ideals. They are intended to deter pro-independence forces and uphold China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Chen criticized Lai’s administration for stubbornly sticking to a pro-independence stance since taking office. He accused Lai of propagating separatist theories that provoke violations of the One China principle and of colluding with foreign powers in provocations, which he believes seriously undermine cross-strait relations and threaten peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. “Taiwan independence” and peace in the Taiwan Strait are fundamentally at odds, he asserted. If Lai persists in his provocations, he warned, it could lead the Taiwanese people into a disaster.
Chen maintained that national unification is an unstoppable historical trend and an undeniable national principle that should not be challenged. He expressed unwavering resolve to resolve the Taiwan issue and complete national unification, highlighting the nation’s strong capability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reassured that actions taken to counter pro-independence provocations are aimed solely at separatist actions and foreign interference, not at the broader Taiwanese populace. Chen called on Taiwan’s people to uphold national unity, recognize the extreme dangers of independence, and firmly oppose any separatist movements and foreign interference, so as to safeguard the shared home of the Chinese nation and work hand in hand with compatriots on the mainland toward a bright future of national unification and rejuvenation.
