The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is confident of defeating Taiwan separatism and external interference, said Jiang Bin, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, on Monday.
Jiang's comments were made about the reports saying the United States is transporting a new batch of M1A2 tanks to Taiwan and plans to increase its arms sales to Taiwan over the next four years.
New arms sales may surpass that of the first Trump administration. In addition, a former officer of the U.S. military said that about 500 U.S. military personnel are operating in Taiwan, which is over 10 times the number previously disclosed by the U.S. Congress, according to reports.
"The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, and is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations. We urge the U.S. side to stop its military collusion with Taiwan in any form. Otherwise, it will only backfire and do more harm than good. We warn the DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) authorities that U.S. weapons cannot save them, and soliciting external support for Taiwan secession is doomed to fail. The PLA will continue to strengthen military training and combat readiness, and enhance its overall capability to fight and win. We will take resolute measures to thwart Taiwan separatist activities and external interference," said Jiang.
PLA confident of defeating Taiwan separatism, external interference: spokesman
PLA confident of defeating Taiwan separatism, external interference: spokesman
PLA confident of defeating Taiwan separatism, external interference: spokesman
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
