Drills pose intensified pressure on Taiwan separatists: expert

The "Joint Sword-2024B" joint military drills by the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Monday sent a direct and strong response to Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's recent Taiwan separatism remarks, which pose three specific provocations, said military expert Zhang Chi.

"The first provocation is against the post-World War II international order. In 1943, China, the United States, and the UK signed the Cairo Declaration, confirmed Taiwan and the Penghu Islands' return to China. In 1945, the same three countries signed the Potsdam Proclamation, with the Soviet Union later joining, reinforcing the commitment to implement the Cairo Declaration. These two declarations form a crucial part of the post-war international order. Therefore, 'Taiwan independence' is a challenge to this order," said Zhang, an associate professor at the National Defense University of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

The second provocation is directed against the authority of the United Nations, said Zhang. The UN Resolution 2758, passed in 1971, recognized the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate government representing China, he said.

"The third provocation threatens the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Lai's provocative remarks may appear mild but is deeply deceptive and harmful. It aggressively promotes separatism, inciting hostility and confrontation across the Strait, significantly escalating tensions and laying the groundwork for conflict, thus destructs peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," Zhang added.

The expert explained that the drills were divided and carried out in six different areas -- two in the Taiwan Strait, two east of the Taiwan island, and one each to the north and south of the island.

"Drills north of the island directly targeted the key figures advocating 'Taiwan independence', sending a warning to Lai's administration. Exercises to the south the island aimed to strike at the heart of Taiwan independence forces. Those in the eastern air and sea zones were intended to block three critical routes: the lifeline for energy imports, external support line for separatists, and escape lines for those attempting to evade punishment," said the expert.

"Conducting drills in the Taiwan Strait shows our intensifying pressure from all directions to Taiwan separatists. Compared with previous drills, the scope of this drill was broader and the operational range closer, achieving new breakthroughs. Especially, this time our Coast Guard vessels conducted patrols around the island, strengthening maritime control," said Zhang.

Drills pose intensified pressure on Taiwan separatists: expert

A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan. They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the tour.

The delegation made the tour at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.

"The young people from both sides of the Strait share the same root, and we are having a harmonious communication this time. We also welcome young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland for exchange," Cao Yibo, a student from Peking University, told reporters during the tour.

The delegation included table tennis Olympic champion Ma Long who studies at Beijing Sport University, and air rifle Olympic champion Yang Qian of Tsinghua University.

"In the future, I would like to visit Taiwan again. I did not expect that so many compatriots in Taiwan would come to welcome and us and pay so much attention to our exchange tour," Ma said.

Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday, and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.

"The farewell dinner party was held yesterday evening, when almost all students from the mainland shared their feelings. What moved me so much is that every one of them thanked people here, because the latter sincerely and warmly welcomed them wherever they went during the nine-day tour. They told me that when they go back, they will tell their relatives and friends that people in Taiwan are kind, hospitable and warm. I believe that is the most important purpose of the exchange across the Strait," he said.

Calling youth exchanges a foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.

This is the second delegation of mainland teachers and students visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, following the visit by a first delegation in July last year.

Delegation of mainland university students, teachers wraps up Taiwan visit