Foreign media have also noticed that our move is unusual! Just after the high-level foreign ministers' dialogue between China and the U.S., we immediately conducted a two-day live-fire military exercise in the Taiwan Strait! On July 23, Reuters reported that China began conducting a two-day live-fire drill starting Thursday in areas near the southeastern coast of Fujian Province, which borders Taiwan. The day before, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on a range of issues, including the Taiwan issue.

Evidently, from foreign media coverage, the timing suggests a clear connection between the recent high-level diplomatic meeting and our immediate announcement of military drills. Of course, based on Rubio’s statements, there are obvious differences between China and the U.S. over Taiwan—especially since Rubio openly stated he disagrees with China’s actions regarding Taiwan, that arms sales to Taiwan remain under review, and that the Taiwan Strait is a so-called “international waterway.”

Rubio’s remarks clearly constitute interference in our internal affairs and send misleading signals to “Taiwan independence” forces—we certainly cannot accept this. We will not just issue verbal warnings to the U.S.; we will take concrete actions to warn the U.S. against misjudging the situation. Rubio claims he “disagrees with China’s activities concerning Taiwan”? Well, naturally, the U.S. would not approve our live-fire exercises either. But we did it anyway—what does the U.S. think? Let them think as they please.

In short, when it comes to the Taiwan issue, we will not act according to America’s mood. If we need to conduct military exercises, we will do so; if we need to advance reunification, we will proceed without hesitation. If the U.S. dares to play the Taiwan card, our stance will be one of firm opposition, standing our ground without concession. We warn the U.S. to handle the Taiwan issue with utmost caution—it is no empty threat. The U.S. attitude has never been sincere. Since that is the case, then let us make our position clear upfront.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871489093706896/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of its author.