Full Translation: PLA Reading & Key Chinese Departments on Military Drills in the Taiwan Strait
On May.23, The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced the commencement of a two-day military drill surrounding the island of Taiwan, scheduled from Thursday to Friday. Named Joint Sword-2024A, this exercise is widely viewed as a response to recent remarks made by Taiwan’s new leader, Lai Ching-te, during his inauguration. In his speech, Lai proposed the “Two-State Theory” and denied that Taiwan is part of China.
Here’s the drill map published by PLA
Here's another map that compares the three major PLA exercise zones since the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1996.
Attached, you will find a readout from the PLA and translations of announcements from two key Chinese departments regarding this drill. I hope you find them helpful.
Explanation From PLA
Chinese media also paid a lot of attention to this drill. During an interview with CCTV-13 (news channel). Zhang Chi from PLA National Defence University explained that there are three breakthroughs.
The drill has set a new normal, referred to as "counter-slicing the salami."
The exercises have achieved significant progress on strategically important islands like Wuqiu and Dongyin. These islands are strategically important for controlling the Taiwan Strait and are considered critical defense outposts by the Taiwanese military.
The PLA's activities in these areas serve as a clear warning to the Taiwanese administration that "Taiwan independence" is unsustainable.The exercises introduced innovative blockade tactics targeting Taiwan's heavy reliance on imports, particularly for energy, highlighting the potential for economic isolation to force compliance.
Here I attach his full answer:
Zhang Chi stated that, overall, there are three special aspects to this exercise, summarized as three "new" aspects. The first "new" is that this exercise has established a new normal. Through a series of military actions, mainland has established a new normal of "counter-slicing the salami." In recent years, the U.S. and Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly pushed the mainland's bottom line and red line in a "salami slicing" manner. Last year, after Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the U.S., the PLA conducted a combat readiness patrol and the "Joint Sharp Sword" exercise around the island of Taiwan. Following Lai Ching-te's "May 20 speech," the PLA conducted another "Joint Sharp Sword" exercise, indicating that every time "Taiwan independence" separatist forces provoke, the PLA takes a step forward. This is the new normal of "counter-slicing the salami."
The second "new" is that this exercise has made new breakthroughs. As outer islands of Taiwan Province, Wuqiuyu and Dongyin Island hold significant geographical importance as key transportation hubs overseeing the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwanese military considers them the frontmost outposts for the defense of the Taiwan Strait. This time, the activities of PLA vessels further squeezed the operational space of the Taiwanese military, clearly warning the Lai Ching-te administration that "Taiwan independence" is a dead end.
The third "new" is that this exercise practiced a new model, representing another creative practical exploration by the PLA. Taiwan is an isolated island, hanging alone in the sea, with relatively weak self-sustaining capabilities. Taiwan's export-oriented economy relies heavily on imports for most of its energy consumption, especially oil, which is entirely dependent on imports. Therefore, once it is blockaded, it could easily lead to economic collapse and turn into a "dead island." This exercise by the PLA focused on practicing a new model of blockade against the island of Taiwan.
China will inevitably achieve reunification; this is the trend of history that no one can stop. The related exercises organized by the Chinese military target the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and external forces colluding in provocation. We have the confidence and capability to safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council
Key takes: A “Punishment“ and “Stern Warning“ toward external forces. The measures are directed at separatist activities and external interference, not at the general population of Taiwan. The statement calls on Taiwan residents to oppose "Taiwan independence" and support national reunification.
Spokesperson Chen Binhua from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council responded to a reporter’s question on the 23rd, stating that the "Joint Sword-2024A" exercise conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) around the island of Taiwan is a resolute punishment for the provocative actions seeking "independence" by the leader of the Taiwan region in their "5/20" speech. It serves as a stern warning to external forces that condone and support "Taiwan independence" and interfere in China's internal affairs and is a righteous act to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Chen also pointed out that the leader of the Taiwan region, upon taking office, brazenly challenged the One-China principle, blatantly promoted the "Two-State Theory," and attempted to internationalize the Taiwan issue, continuing to seek "independence" by relying on external forces and military means, thereby pushing Taiwan into a dead end. In response, we will tolerate no such actions, leave no room for any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and will take decisive action if "Taiwan independence" separatist forces persist in their obstinate course or take reckless risks. We will resolutely crush the separatist scheme for "Taiwan independence" and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He emphasized that reunification is the trend of history and the right path, while "Taiwan independence" is a counter-current that goes against public opinion. We must uphold the right path and curb it. It is important to note that all our countermeasures are aimed at "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, not at the broad masses of Taiwan compatriots. We hope that the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots will firmly stand on the right side of history, be upright Chinese people, discern right from wrong, act righteously, and, together with compatriots on the mainland, resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference, firmly safeguard the common homeland of the Chinese nation, and jointly create a bright future of national reunification and rejuvenation.
Source: https://www.chinanews.com.cn/gn/2024/05-23/10222091.shtml
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Reuter’s reporter asked a key question: since it’s named Joint Sword-2024A, will there be more? Wang did not rule out that possibility. Indicates that there’s a potential for more drills ahead.
The PLA Eastern Theater Command's joint exercises around the island of Taiwan are aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, providing a strong punishment to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and issuing a serious warning to external forces interfering and provoking. These actions are entirely consistent with international law and international norms, and are completely justified and necessary.
I must emphasize that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory. This is both a historical fact and the current reality, and it will never change in the future. "Taiwan independence" is a dead end. The Chinese people's determination to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering. All "Taiwan independence" separatist activities will be met with a head-on blow from over 1.4 billion Chinese people, and all "Taiwan independence" separatist forces will be smashed against the historical trend of China’s complete reunification.
We urge the U.S. to stop condoning and supporting "Taiwan independence" forces and to stop interfering in China's internal affairs. Any actions that harm China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity will be met with a resolute and powerful response from China.
Hong Kong China Review News Agency Reporter: According to reports, U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul recently stated that he will lead a delegation to visit Taiwan at the end of May to congratulate Taiwan’s new "leader" on their inauguration. What is China’s comment on this?
Wang Wenbin: China has always firmly opposed any form of official exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan, and firmly opposes U.S. interference in Taiwan affairs in any way and under any pretext. The U.S. Congress is part of the U.S. government and should strictly adhere to the One-China policy pursued by the United States. If U.S. congressmen visit Taiwan, it will seriously violate the One-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués, interfere in China’s internal affairs, undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and send a grave wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.
China demands that the U.S. abide by the One-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués, not arrange for congressional members to visit Taiwan, stop all forms of official exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan, and cease creating factors that exacerbate tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. must fulfill its commitment to maintaining only cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with Taiwan and not supporting "Taiwan independence" with concrete actions. If the U.S. insists on going its own way, it must bear full responsibility for the consequences.
Reuters Reporter: After the exercises around Taiwan this week, does China plan to conduct more similar "punishment" exercises? Are there plans to further escalate the exercises?
Wang Wenbin: Every time the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces stir up trouble, China and the international community’s efforts to uphold the One-China principle will be strengthened.