China's Defense Ministry Says PLA Military Exercises Around Taiwan 'Completely Justified' on May 9

According to China's Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin, on May 9 afternoon, the People's Liberation Army organized joint military exercises involving naval and air forces around Taiwan island, with major warship formations entering waters southwest of the Penghu archipelago.

Jiang stated that Taiwan is part of China and no such thing as the "median line" exists. He said the PLA's military operations in the region are "completely justified and reasonable," and that "separatism is the culprit destroying peace in the Taiwan Strait." The Defense Ministry vowed to "never tolerate" such activities and will continue military actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.