Han Kuang exercise of Taiwan region is nothing but bluff and self-deceiving trick of DPP authorities: MND spokesperson

In response to reports that Taiwan region's military will conduct the Han Kuang-41 live-troop exercise starting from July 9, an exercise focusing on subjects such as the so-called "response to gray-zone harassment," "joint anti-landing operations," and "resilient defense on the island," with many US weapons making their debut during the exercise, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said on Tuesday that the Han Kuang exercise is nothing but a bluff and a self-deceiving trick played by the region's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to hijack Taiwan compatriots on board its "Taiwan Independence" war chariot.

Jiang noted that "the DPP authorities are harming Taiwan out of its selfish interests. We solemnly warn the DPP authorities that 'seeking independence by force' is a dead end." 

"Whatever subjects they drill and whatever weapons they use, the PLA's resolute countermeasures against 'Taiwan Independence' would not be deterred, nor would the overwhelming and irresistible trend of China's national reunification be stopped," Jiang said.

When asked to comment on Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's fourth speech in the so-called "10 Lectures on Unity," which hyped up the so-called "mainland military threat," advocated for an increased "defense" budget, and called on the Taiwan region military to fight for Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, Jiang responded that Taiwan Island is a province of China, therefore where does the so-called "defense" budget come from?

Lai has distorted history and twisted facts, wrapping his separatist "Taiwan independence" agenda in carefully fabricated lies, Jiang said. He further noted that Lai deliberately plays up the so-called "mainland threat," stokes security anxiety, manipulates public opinion in Taiwan region, and attempts to militarize the island, with the aim of locking Taiwan's future into a strategic game manipulated by external forces.

Jiang stressed that Lai's call to "fight for Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu" is in reality a fight for the selfish interests of the DPP, the so-called fight for "Taiwan independence" separatism, and a deception that drags the Taiwan compatriots down a doomed path of "resisting reunification by force," "selling out Taiwan" and "destroying Taiwan."

Both sides of the Straits belong to one China. Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu are all sacred Chinese territory, and people on both sides are all Chinese. The louder Lai and his ilk clamor, the faster their downfall will come. Any attempt to use forces to support "Taiwan independence" will only lead to shared destruction. 

"The PLA has the confidence and the capability to crush all separatist attempts for "Taiwan independence" and to resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Jiang said.