On October 14, the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army of China conducted the “Joint Sword-2024B” exercise in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan, involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force. This exercise aimed to assess the joint combat capabilities of the theater’s troops. The Liaoning Carrier Strike Group participated in the drills east of Taiwan. This move serves as a strong deterrent against the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and maintain territorial integrity.

In his recent “National Day” speech, Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te has seemingly escalated tensions with a more systematic formulation of his “two-nation theory.” His remarks reflect a confrontational mindset, deliberately provoking cross-strait tensions and severely undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Lai’s push for independence came first, and the mainland’s response follows, which is both reasonable and lawful.

Lai’s statements are not only misleading but also harmful. He attempts to frame the idea of “Taiwan independence” as a struggle between systems, propagating a false narrative of “democracy versus authoritarianism.” His claims of wanting to “solidify a key position in the global democratic supply chain” effectively distort the concept by equating the so-called “Republic of China” with “Taiwan,” using “democracy” as a guise to internationalize the Taiwan issue and gain support from foreign powers. In reality, he imposes the views of a minority onto the broader Taiwanese society, which strays from the essence of democracy; he suppresses dissent within Taiwan, creating a “green terror” and trampling democratic spirit. His interpretation of “democracy” serves only to advance “Taiwan independence,” resembling a façade of “pseudo-democracy” that ultimately fuels real separatism.

The current struggle against “Taiwan independence” by the mainland is not a contest over differing systems; it is a fundamental struggle between unity and division. The PLA’s large-scale military exercises in the Taiwan Strait are not a tactic conjured up by the U.S., but rather the rightful action of a sovereign nation punishing acts aimed at division and maintaining national sovereignty and territorial integrity, supported by solid legal justification.

The Chinese Constitution explicitly states that Taiwan is a sacred part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China. The Anti-Secession Law unequivocally prohibits any forms of “Taiwan independence” that could separate Taiwan from China. Additionally, the National Defense Law designates one of the PLA’s missions as defending national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Conducting military exercises on one’s own territory is a fundamental exercise of sovereignty; the PLA’s maneuvers in its own land, sea, and airspace do not require any pretext.

It is essential to emphasize that these military exercises are directed against the provocations of “Taiwan independence” forces and not against the general population of Taiwan. “’Taiwan independence’ is ‘Taiwan poison’ and does not serve the interests of the Taiwanese people.” The quest for independence is a dead-end that brings challenges to Taiwan and has been widely opposed by the international community. Various sectors in Taiwan have criticized Lai’s “National Day” speech, which challenges the One China principle, threatens peace in the Taiwan Strait, and seriously harms the welfare of Taiwanese compatriots. Therefore, the mainland’s counteractions are also a firm commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the well-being of the Taiwanese people.

The Taiwan issue lies at the heart of China’s core interests. The desire for peace, development, communication, and cooperation resonates with both sides of the Strait. “Taiwan independence” is fundamentally incompatible with peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and contradicts the shared interests and well-being of cross-strait compatriots. Continued provocations from “Taiwan independence” factions will only provoke unwavering actions from the PLA to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. As Lai and his associates escalate provocations, the noose they have fashioned for themselves will only tighten.