Dead end for 'Taiwan independence', says PLA expert

The People's Liberation Army's military exercises around Taiwan Island on Monday are sending a clear signal: any attempt by "Taiwan independence" separatists to divide Chinese territory will lead to a dead end, an expert with the PLA announced on Monday.

Zhang Chi, a professor at the PLA National Defense University, said that the exercises were aimed at the authorities led by Lai Ching-te and the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

"Taiwan independence" separatists will inevitably become the primary target of PLA military actions," he said.

The PLA's Eastern Theater Command announced on an early Monday morning at 5 am, that it had commenced joint military exercises encircling Taiwan Island, involving the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force.

The exercises focused on sea and air combat readiness patrols, blockade of key ports and areas, strikes against maritime and land targets, and the seizure of comprehensive control.

In addition, these exercises have demonstrated the PLA's firm resolve to safeguard national unity and territorial integrity, according to the expert.

"They not only showcase our unprecedented strength and unwavering determination but also further establish a posture of strategic encirclement and pressure on Taiwan Island," Zhang noted.

At the same time, the drills reflected the tangible results of the PLA's reform of strengthening the military and combat readiness, he stressed, adding that they will have a strong deterrent effect on "Taiwan independence" forces.

"Through these drills, we are clearly warning the authorities led by Lai that any provocation by 'Taiwan independence' forces will be met with a corresponding advance by the PLA," said Zhang.

"The closer the separatist forces collude with external forces, the tighter our blockade of Taiwan Island will become," he said.