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

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called for an immediate, complete and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a telephone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz. Wang also called for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Wang said that the international community is deeply worried about the prolonged escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Noting that all lives are equally precious, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, Wang said that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza must end and that countering violence with violence cannot truly address the legitimate concerns of all parties.

Pointing out that the conflict in Gaza has once again demonstrated that the Palestinian question remains a core issue in the Middle East, Wang said the voices of the international community are clear, which hope all parties return to the political path of a "two-state solution" as soon as possible. Doing so would realize the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine and the harmonious coexistence of the Jewish and Arab peoples. This is the right way to achieve stability and lasting security for all parties, including Israel, Wang said.

Wang said that China is highly concerned about the tension between Israel and Iran and believes that renewed conflict and turmoil in the region serves the interests of no one. Wang stated that China urges all parties to proceed with caution to prevent falling into a vicious circle. He said China is not self-interested in the Middle East and never engages in geopolitical contest. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has always stood on the side of peace, international law and truth and will continue to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation and restoring peace in the region, Wang said.

Wang stressed that United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is mandated by Security Council resolutions to carry out peacekeeping missions, adding that the Israeli side should take concrete measures to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel.

The two sides also exchanged views on China-Israel relations. Katz said that developing relations with China is an established policy in Israel and serves the common interests of the two countries, adding that the Israeli government abides by its consistent position on the Taiwan question.

Wang said that China maintains continuity and stability in its policy toward Israel and is willing to resume exchanges in all aspects as soon as possible when the situation eases and promote the sustainable development of the innovative comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

Wang said he hopes the Israeli side will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and nationals in Israel.

Chinese FM calls for complete, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages