Politics
’ S DAILY, ASIA, BEIJING, CHINA, COMMUNIST PARTY, DEFENSE, DEMOCRATIC PROGRESSIVE PARTY, EASTERN THEATRE, EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND, GEOPOLITICS, LAI, LIN, MAIN, MEXICO, NORTH AMERICA, PEOPLE ’ S DAILY, PLA, SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTE, TAIWAN, TERRITORIAL DISPUTES, US-CHINA RELATIONS, WILLIAM LAI CHING - TE
Clara Montgomery
PLA Asserts Readiness to Combat Taiwanese Independence Amid Rising Tensions
The PLA has declared readiness to fight against Taiwan’s independence under the leadership of Commander Lin, emphasizing military preparedness during rising tensions influenced by Taiwan’s pro-independence leadership. The Anti-Secession Law supports China’s perspective of Taiwan as part of its territory.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of mainland China has expressed its readiness to engage in military action to prevent Taiwan’s independence, as stated by the Eastern Theatre Command chief. This assertion comes during the 20th anniversary of the Anti-Secession Law, a legal framework that supports Beijing’s stance on opposing Taiwanese independence and promotes reunification by force if deemed necessary.
The commander’s remarks are significant, marking the first instance in which a frontline PLA leader has spoken at such an event amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan. The remarks follow the election of William Lai Ching-te, a leader from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, who has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, which views him as a “dangerous separatist”.
In his speech, excerpts of which were released by the People’s Daily, Commander Lin warned against Taiwan independence advocates, stating that “if ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionists are stubborn or even take desperate measures…the Chinese military would ‘take all necessary measures to strongly deter and punish them’.” He further committed to enhancing the PLA’s military preparedness to ensure the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland.
Since Lai assumed office in May, Beijing has accused him of undermining peace in cross-strait relations through statements suggesting no subordination between Taiwan and China. Following his inauguration, China has implemented stricter legal measures against perceived anti-succession activities and has intensified military exercises in proximity to Taiwan.
The PLA’s declaration of readiness to engage militarily underscores China’s firm stance on Taiwan, particularly under the leadership of William Lai. The heightened military preparations and potential consequences for advocates of independence reflect the serious nature of cross-strait relations and the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a peaceful resolution.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
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