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Nia Simpson
China Conducts Military Drills as Warning Against Taiwan Independence
China conducted military drills near Taiwan, reflecting strong disapproval of U.S. support for Taiwan independence. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning condemned U.S. policy shifts and criticized the G7’s statements on Taiwan and maritime security, urging adherence to the one-China principle to avoid escalating tensions.
On March 18, 2025, China announced military exercises near the Taiwan Strait, intended as a robust response to external influences perceived to endorse “Taiwan independence.” The military drill, conducted by the People’s Liberation Army, was interpreted as a reaction to the U.S. State Department’s recent alteration to its Taiwan fact sheet, which excluded language indicating non-support for Taiwan’s independence. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, asserted that this shift denotes a regression in U.S. policy regarding Taiwan.
Mao characterized the United States’ actions as an attempt to utilize Taiwan as a means to contain China, thereby signaling a flawed message to forces advocating for Taiwan independence. She described China’s military maneuvers as necessary and justified measures aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also labeling them a “stern warning” to advocates of Taiwan independence.
Emphasizing that Taiwan’s independence contradicts the pursuit of peace in the Taiwan Strait, Mao indicated that such efforts would ultimately lead to failure. She reinforced that the Taiwan issue is central to China’s crucial interests and that the one-China principle forms the basis of Sino-U.S. relations. She urged the U.S. to adhere to this principle and the established diplomatic communiques to avoid undermining peace and stability in the region.
Furthermore, Mao criticized a joint declaration by the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers regarding maritime security, claiming it misrepresents the situation surrounding Taiwan and the South China Sea. She urged the G7 to abandon outdated ideological biases that provoke geopolitical tensions and instead support international collaboration.
Additionally, Mao condemned U.S. sanctions aimed at Thai officials following the repatriation of Chinese citizens, characterizing such actions as hypocritical and detrimental to bilateral cooperation in addressing cross-border crime. She emphasized that China and Thailand are sovereign nations operating within their legal frameworks, asserting that the repatriation process aligns with their laws and international standards. The Chinese government maintains an obligation to protect its citizens and facilitate their return to normalcy.
In summary, China’s military drills serve as a pronounced warning against Taiwan’s independence movements, framed by accusations against the United States for its changing stance on Taiwan. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized adherence to the one-China principle as fundamental to maintaining stable U.S.-China relations and criticized external pressures, particularly from the G7 and the U.S., as detrimental to peace in the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, she condemned U.S. sanctions against Thai officials, asserting the legitimate sovereignty of China and Thailand in their law enforcement actions.
Original Source: asianews.network
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