Chinese Ministry of National Defense Criticizes Both Taiwan and the US
"Urging Independence Provocations Will Bring Disaster"
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense expressed its determination for the peaceful reunification of Taiwan by force in response to Taiwan's military move to expand the scale of its annual exercises in preparation for a Chinese invasion.
Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, said at a briefing on the 27th, "We warn the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan. Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot ('Danglang Geche'), it is a self-destructive act, and we will soon reclaim you." This was aimed at Taiwan's plan to expand the scale of its annual 'Han Kuang 41' exercises.
Spokesperson Wu strongly criticized, "The DPP authorities harbor illusions of 'relying on the United States to seek independence' and 'preventing reunification by force.' This is a serious misjudgment of the situation, public opinion, and strength, and is extremely dangerous and reckless."
He also targeted the United States, which is checking China through military cooperation with Taiwan, stating, "The United States is deluded in trying to 'contain China through Taiwan' and is urging the DPP authorities to engage in adventurous provocations for Taiwan independence, which will ultimately bring disaster upon themselves."
The Han Kuang exercises are large-scale annual drills conducted by Taiwan since 1984 to test its ability to repel and defend against a Chinese military invasion. Taiwan plans to extend the Han Kuang field maneuver exercises scheduled for July from 4 nights and 5 days to 9 nights and 10 days, and increase the scale by deploying one reserve brigade of about 2,500 to 3,000 personnel.
Regarding communication issues with the U.S. military, Spokesperson Wu said, "The two countries maintain effective communication through military diplomatic channels," adding, "Both sides have some preliminary plans and arrangements for the next stage of exchanges and will announce them at an appropriate time." He dismissed Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense's condemnation of recent unannounced Chinese military firing exercises near Taiwan's waters, saying, "They are exaggerating routine training. We urge them to stop this kind of attention-seeking play."
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense stated the previous day that the Chinese military conducted unannounced firing exercises in waters about 40 nautical miles (approximately 74 km) off the southern Taiwan coast near Kaohsiung and Pingtung, and mobilized troops to respond.
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