The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will resolutely crush the secessionist delusions of "Taiwan independence" and defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a military spokesman said on Thursday.
Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks when answering a relevant question at a press conference.
"Taiwan is China's Taiwan. No one values and upholds peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait more than we do. However, we will never allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan from China by any means. The PLA will continue to enrich its means to combat separatism and foreign interference, resolutely crush the secessionist delusions of 'Taiwan independence,' and defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Zhang.
PLA resolute to crush 'Taiwan Independence' secession delusions: spokesman
PLA resolute to crush 'Taiwan Independence' secession delusions: spokesman
Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Monday.
As solemn music played and the golden doors slowly opened, Xi and Vucic entered the hall together, followed by Xi's wife Peng Liyuan and Vucic's wife Tamara Vucic.
Applauding guests rose to their feet, and paid respect to the two heads of state.
A Guard of Honor escorted the Friendship Medal into the hall, and amid solemn music, Xi formally presented the medal to Vucic.
Xi highlighted Vucic's long-standing commitment to advancing China-Serbia friendship and underscored the significance of the honor.
"President Vucic has long stayed committed to China-Serbia friendship, and he has always given China the firmest and clearest support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He gains the respect from the Chinese people. This medal is not only a high recognition of President Vucic's contributions to bilateral friendship, but also carries the earnest expectations of both peoples for building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said.
The Friendship Medal is China's highest state honor for foreigners, reserved for those who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoting exchange and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarding world peace.
At the invitation of Xi, Vucic is on a state visit to China from Sunday to Thursday, with this marking his first state visit to China and his ninth trip to the country overall.
Xi awards Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic China's friendship medal
