PLA stands firm against 'Taiwan independence'

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02:54

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has vowed to deter “Taiwan independence” separatist forces through strong means in order to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The live-fire drills are designed to show that Beijing will not tolerate any moves by separatist forces to divide its territory, according to the Ministry of National Defense as part of its regular press conference on Thursday.

A dead-end road

Intentions for Taiwan’s independence have grown since Tsai Ing-wen became its leader. She visited troops at a naval base two days after Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected PLA naval warships in the South China Sea.

Beijing strongly opposes the increasing interactions between Taipei and Washington, including the new rules encouraging top-level US officials to visit the island. Taiwan has also got promises from the US to help build its own submarines.

Beijing says Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. It has been issuing increasingly forceful calls for Taiwan to toe the line and President Xi Jinping has warned against any Taiwan separatism, calling on the army to conduct more combat training to deal with any challenges.

The latest drills around the island are seen as counter measures to send strong messages to the world.

Wu Qian, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense. /CGTN Photo

“We uphold peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity. Yet, we need to point out that Taiwan separatist activities are doomed to failure, and any attempt by use of force to resist reunification would go nowhere,” said Wu Qian, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense.

Patrols around Taiwan Island

Chinese aircraft have circled Taiwan, in what the PLA calls a "sacred mission in response to provocations by the island's leaders." Among the types of aircraft are H-6K heavy bombers that can carry strategic missiles. The PLA Navy has also conducted live-fire drills as a warning to those who advocate independence on the island.

H-6K bomber pilot on patrol around Taiwan Island. /CGTN Photo

The PLA Air Force has warned that more actions will follow its latest drills in the Strait, which included live-fire drills at midnight. All this is aimed at thwarting any move towards independence on the island.

Shen Jinke, spokesman for the PLA Air Force says that it will continue to patrol around the Taiwan Strait with multiple aircraft. He says the army has resolute will and sufficient capability to defend the country’s territorial integrity.