Taiwan issue not related to democracy: Chinese Foreign Ministry
BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) — The Taiwan issue has nothing to do with democracy, and supporting separatist forces advocating “Taiwan independence” under the pretext of defending democracy and using the Taiwan issue to contain China is extremely dangerous and will lead nowhere. This was stated today by the official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Mao Ning.
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PLA Eastern Combat Command Zone Begins Patrols and Military Exercises Around Taiwan Island
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Combat Command (PLA) on Saturday began patrols and military exercises in the waters around the island of Taiwan, which will last from April 8 to 10 Beijing time, as planned.
Patrols and military exercises are taking place in the Taiwan Strait, as well as in the sea and airspace to the north, south and east of the island, said Shi Yi, spokesman for the PLA’s Eastern Combat Command Zone.
These operations serve as a stern warning against collusion between separatist forces seeking “Taiwan independence” and outside forces and as a response to their provocations, Shi Yi said, adding that these are necessary measures to protect China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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China Takes Countermeasures Against Hudson Institution and Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) — China has decided to take countermeasures against the American Hudson Institute, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and the leaders of these organizations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Despite repeated submissions and strong objections from China, the US persisted in allowing Taiwanese chief Tsai Ing-wen to make a “transit” trip to the US for political activities, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry, the two organizations have provided a platform and facilities for its separatist activities aimed at “Taiwan independence,” which seriously violates the One China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiqués, and seriously undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In accordance with the PRC Foreign Sanctions Prevention Law, China will strictly restrict related transactions, exchanges and cooperation between universities, organizations and individuals in China with the two organizations, the statement said.
According to the statement, countermeasures will also be taken against four individuals, namely Sarah May Stern, John P. Walters, John Hoybush and Joanna M. Drake, who hold senior positions in these two organizations.
Their movable and immovable property, as well as other types of assets in China, will be frozen. Any organizations and individuals located in China will be prohibited from conducting relevant transactions and interacting with them, the statement said. The four individuals will also be denied visas to China and banned from entering the country.
Appropriate countermeasures come into force on Friday.
WtR