BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) – A Chinese military spokesperson on Friday announced a live combat military exercise by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the Taiwan Strait.
Ren Guoqiang, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said it was a necessary measure to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity in the current situation in the Taiwan Strait.
Reaffirming that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, Ren said that the Taiwan issue is purely for China’s internal affairs and does not allow any outside interference.
The United States and the authority of the Progressive Democratic Party in Taiwan have recently intensified their collusion, often creating unrest, Ren said.
“Those who play with fire burn themselves,” Mr. Ren said.
The PLA has steadfast will, abundant confidence, and sufficient capability to thwart any interference by foreign forces or “Taiwan independence” activities, Ren added.
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