"Taiwan independence" separatist forces will inevitably receive countermeasures, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Mao made these remarks in response to questions about China's military drills in the waters surrounding the Taiwan Island, following the U.S. State Department spokesperson's "serious concerns" regarding these activities.
On Monday, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) organized joint drills, dubbed "Joint Sword-2024B", involving troops from the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. These exercises took place in the Taiwan Strait and in the waters to the north, south, and east of the Taiwan Island, serving as a strong deterrent against separatist activities by "Taiwan independence" advocates.
Mao emphasized that "Taiwan independence" is as incompatible with cross-Strait peace as fire with water. Provocations by relevant separatist forces will inevitably be met with countermeasures. China has always been committed to regional peace and stability, which is obvious to all countries in the region.
"Taiwan is a part of China. The Taiwan question is China's internal affairs and brooks no outside interference. If the United States really cares about peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and regional prosperity, it should abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués and earnestly act on the commitment made by the U.S. leadership of not supporting 'Taiwan independence'. It should stop military collusion with Taiwan, and stop sending any wrong signal to the separatist forces for 'Taiwan independence'," Mao said.
"Taiwan independence" separatist forces to meet countermeasures: spokeswoman
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
