Official announcements from US Department of Defense or credible news outlets

China Reaffirms Stance on Taiwan, Warns Against Independence Amid PLA Drill

Jun 16, 2024, 12:49 AM

Chinese officials have reiterated their stance on Taiwan, emphasizing that any attempt at Taiwan's independence will lead to severe consequences. Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, stated that China's reunification is 'unstoppable' and that Beijing has the determination, confidence, and capability to thwart any separatist efforts. Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesman Zhang Xiaogang warned that Taiwan's independence is incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait and that separation would mean war. Additionally, Chinese President Xi Jinping accused the United States of trying to provoke China into attacking Taiwan, but he asserted that he would not be baited into such actions. Prominent Chinese journalist Hu Xijin noted that the PLA conducted a drill surrounding Taiwan, which he described as an unprecedented warning. Meanwhile, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te addressed military cadets, warning them of the strong rise of China and stating that China views the annexation and 'elimination' of Taiwan as a national cause.