PLA won't be absent in countering separatism: Ministry of National Defense

A Chinese defense spokesperson conveyed the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) firm stance in response to Lai Ching-te's "visit" to the US.

On the morning of Dec. 13, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, addressed recent military-related issues.

A reporter mentioned the PLA's larger deployment of warships around Taiwan recently, asking about whether there will be exercises.

According to Wu, Safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholding the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, and safeguarding the common interests of compatriots on both sides of the strait are the sacred duties of the PLA.

"Whether to conduct exercises and when to conduct exercises is autonomously decided by us based on our own needs and the situation. Regardless of whether exercises are conducted, the PLA will not be absent in countering separatism and promoting reunification, nor will we show any hesitation."

Any actions of relying on foreign forces for independence or seeking independence through force will be severely punished and are destined to fail, he noted.

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