INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday said that the latest multi-subject drills conducted by the Chinese
People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the waters around Taiwan Island are completely legitimate, necessary and reasonable.Zhang Xiaogang made
the remarks in response to a question during a press briefing.The PLA Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday conducted multi-subject drills in
waters to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island.On Wednesday, the Shandong aircraft carrier task group was deployed to simulate
strikes on ground and maritime targets in areas to the east of the island.In his remarks, Zhang condemned the Taiwan authorities led by Lai
Ching-te for recklessly carrying out provocative actions to seek "Taiwan independence" and escalating tensions between the two sides of the
Taiwan Straits.The PLA's drills demonstrated the determination and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, serving
as a strong deterrent to separatists who intentionally instigate conflicts, Zhang said.Noting that "Taiwan independence" and peace in the
Straits are as irreconcilable as fire and water, Zhang said those who play with fire will eventually get burned."The more provocations they
make, the faster they will meet their demise," Zhang said.The spokesperson also said that certain countries & if they truly wish for peace
and stability in the Straits & must adhere to the one-China principle and stop sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist
forces.The PLA will continue to intensify military training and preparedness, enhance its real combat capabilities to counter secessionist
attempts and foreign interference, resolutely crush all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and firmly advance the process of
China's national reunification, Zhang said.
