China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels on Tuesday conducted law-enforcement patrols in waters around Taiwan Island in accordance with the one-China principle, said a spokesperson.
CCG fleets carried out drills such as inspection, capture, interception and detention operations against unwarranted vessels, said Zhu Anqing, spokesperson of the CCG's East China Sea Bureau.
Taiwan is a province of China, and these drills are concrete actions to exercise legitimate jurisdiction and control over the island in accordance with the one-China principle, Zhu said.
According to Zhang Chi, a professor of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) National Defense University, CCG's operations have been a highlight during joint military drills surrounding the island of Taiwan in recent years.
"In the 'Joint Sword-2024A' exercises in the first half of last year, an important breakthrough was that the main battleships and battleplanes of the Eastern Theater Command closed in on areas around the island of Taiwan, acting in concert with CCG ships to enter so-called 'restricted waters' near Wuqiu and Dongyin islands for law-enforcement patrols. This has given a clear warning to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces. Also, in the 'Joint Sword-2024B' drills in the second half of last year, there was another breakthrough – the CCG conducted patrols in the waters surrounding Taiwan island. These exercises have demonstrated the close coordination between Chinese military and police, as well as China's firm determination and great capability to lawfully enforce control over Taiwan island in accordance with the one-China principle," Zhang explained.
Zhang noted, "in the latest exercises, CCG's vessel formations once again conducted law-enforcement patrols in waters around Taiwan Island. The reason for it is to consolidate the situation where the PLA conducts routine management and control over the island of Taiwan and the outer islands according to the one-China principle."
China Coast Guard conducts law-enforcement patrols around Taiwan in line with one-China principle: expert
China Coast Guard conducts law-enforcement patrols around Taiwan in line with one-China principle: expert
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
