China's recent military exercises near the Taiwan Strait are a "clear warning" against separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence," officials stated Monday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the drills were a direct response to recent U.S. policy shifts and actions by Taiwan's leaders, which Beijing views as threats to national sovereignty. 🔥
"Mishandling the Taiwan question will shake the foundation of China-U.S. relations," Mao said during a press briefing. She criticized Washington for removing language supporting the one-China principle from its State Department website, calling it a dangerous signal to pro-independence groups in Taiwan. 🇨🇳🇺🇸
The drills follow heightened cross-strait tensions, with Beijing condemning what it calls "provocative" moves by foreign actors. Mao reiterated that Taiwan remains a core national interest, and any attempts to challenge this are "as incompatible with peace as fire with water." 💣💧
China urged the U.S. to honor past commitments on Taiwan and avoid further escalation. "Containing China through Taiwan will only lead to self-harm," Mao warned, underscoring Beijing's resolve to defend its territorial claims. 🌏
