China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan Strait, Warns US Against Supporting "Taiwan Independence

China confirmed on Monday that it had conducted military drills near the Taiwan Strait, describing the exercise as a firm response to external forces that deliberately condone and support "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. The drills come amid escalating tensions over Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China claims as part of its territory. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated China's stance, urging the United States to cease provocative actions and handle the Taiwan issue with extreme caution.

The military exercise by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is widely believed to be a direct response to recent changes in U.S. policy regarding Taiwan. Last week, the U.S. State Department updated its Taiwan fact sheet, removing previous wording that stated it did not support "Taiwan independence." Mao Ning criticized the move, calling it a significant regression in the U.S. stance on the Taiwan question and accusing Washington of deliberately "using Taiwan to contain China." She warned that such actions send a seriously erroneous signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, undermining peace and stability in the region.

Mao emphasized that China's military actions were necessary, legitimate, and just measures to defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. She described the drills as a "stern warning" to those seeking to promote Taiwan's independence, stating that such efforts are incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait. "'Taiwan independence' is a dead end, and 'using Taiwan to contain China' will ultimately backfire," she declared.

The Taiwan question remains at the core of China's national interests, and the one-China principle is the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, Mao stressed. She urged the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques to prevent further damage to bilateral ties and regional stability.

In a separate development, Mao condemned a joint statement and declaration on maritime security and prosperity issued by the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers. The documents, released on Friday, raised concerns about China-related issues, including the Taiwan question and the South China Sea. Mao dismissed the statements as distortions of the truth, designed to slander and defame China. She called on the G7 to abandon its Cold War mentality and ideological bias, warning against actions that provoke bloc confrontation and infringe on China's sovereignty. Instead, she urged the G7 to contribute to international unity and cooperation.

Mao also addressed recent U.S. sanctions on Thai officials over the repatriation of 40 Chinese citizens, describing the move as a "typical example of double standards and suppression of dissent." She condemned the U.S. for politicizing the issue and accused Washington of bullying behavior. "The U.S. indiscriminately deports illegal immigrants while accusing, attacking, smearing, and imposing sanctions on other countries' legitimate law enforcement cooperation," Mao said. She emphasized that the cooperation between China and Thailand in combating cross-border crimes, such as illegal immigration, was conducted in accordance with Chinese and Thai laws, international regulations, and established practices.

Mao reiterated that the Chinese government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure their safe return to normal life. She called on the U.S. to respect the sovereignty of other nations and refrain from interfering in their internal affairs.

The military drills and Mao's statements underscore China's firm stance on safeguarding its territorial integrity and opposing external interference in its domestic affairs. As tensions in the region continue to rise, China's actions serve as a reminder of its commitment to defending its core interests and maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait.