Taiwan separatists' move of seeking "independence" only leads to dead end: spokesman

The Taiwan question is an internal affair of China that brooks no interference by anyone or any force in any way or under any pretext, Chinese defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian said on Monday, regarding the latest military drills surrounding the Taiwan Island by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The PLA Eastern Theater Command on Monday organized its troops of army, navy, air force and rocket force to conduct military drills, code-named "Joint Sword-2024B," in the Taiwan Strait and in areas to the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan.

The drills were to warn Taiwan separatists that seeking "independence" will only lead to a dead end, according Wu at a press conference in Beijing on the day.

"Those like Lai Ching-te have betrayed to the ancestors, deliberately severed the historical ties between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, incited hostility and confrontation between the two sides of the Strait, and attempted to confuse and change the fact and perception that the two sides of the Strait belong to the same China, thus fully revealing his true nature as a 'saboteur of cross-Strait peace' and a 'maker of crisis in the Taiwan Strait'. We will never tolerate this and must take countermeasures," said Wu.

"Taiwan is a sacred territory of China. The statement has a sound basis in history and clear legal facts and is widely recognized by the international community. Taiwan has never been a country, nor can it ever become one. The provocations of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities seeking for 'independence' and the interference of external forces are the root of the trouble that undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, which will only bring disaster to the people of Taiwan," Wu stressed.

"What the PLA has practiced in its operations is to fight against separatists for 'Taiwan independence.' We aim to use a language that the separatists can understand to make them realize that a sharp sword is hanging over their heads and that seeking 'independence' leads to nowhere. It needs to be pointed out that the drills don't target our Taiwan compatriots. We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and effort, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force, and we will never give even the slightest room for Taiwan separatists. The 'Joint Sword-2024B' is not a repetition of the '2024A' drills, but rather an intensified pressure for Taiwan separatists. The PLA's actions will be pushed further with each fresh provocation by Taiwan separatists until the Taiwan question is completely resolved," Wu explained.

"The Taiwan question is an internal affair of China that brooks no interference by anyone or any force in any way or under any pretext. The parties concerned should stop conniving at and supporting Taiwan separatists and stop undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. The reunification of the country is an unstoppable historical trend and an unchallengeable overall interests of the Chinese nation. We hope that our Taiwan compatriots will follow the historical trend, see clearly where the future lies, stand on the right side of history, join hands with us in opposing separatism and promoting reunification, and share in the immense glory of national reunification and national rejuvenation," Wu said.

Taiwan separatists' move of seeking "independence" only leads to dead end: spokesman

Taiwan separatists' move of seeking "independence" only leads to dead end: spokesman

Taiwan separatists' move of seeking "independence" only leads to dead end: spokesman

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