A Chinese defense spokesman warned Thursday that the separatist activities of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities will not come to a good end.
Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the statement in response to a media query after Taiwan region's leader, Lai Ching-te, said that Taiwan will strengthen its defense capabilities to prevent war by preparing for war.
"As long as Lai Ching-te's provocative actions seeking secession persists, there will be no tranquility in the Taiwan Strait and no stability for the compatriots in Taiwan. We would like to make it clear to the DPP authorities that separatist activities will not come to a good end. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) will remain combat-ready at all times to enhance combat readiness and safeguard the national sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Zhang.
Separatist activities never lead to good end: spokesman
Separatist activities never lead to good end: spokesman
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
