China Slams Criticism of PLA Drills Near Taiwan as ‘Hypocritical’
Beijing Rejects Statements by Japan, Australia, EU, Reaffirms One-China Principle and Warns Against External Interference
China, PUREWILAYAH.COM - China has sharply rejected criticism of recent People’s Liberation Army (PLA) military exercises conducted around Taiwan, calling statements by Japan, Australia, and several European countries “utterly hypocritical” and a violation of their political commitments to the one-China principle.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing has lodged what it described as “stern representations” with Japan, Australia, European Union institutions, and multiple European states after they publicly expressed concern over the PLA drills.
China Rejects External Interference, Cites Separatist Threats
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing firmly rejects the statements issued by those countries.
Lin accused them of ignoring separatist activities carried out by so-called “Taiwan independence” forces, while overlooking external interference in China’s internal affairs. He said the same countries instead chose to criticize what he described as China’s legitimate measures to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“These positions are utterly hypocritical,” Lin said.
Taiwan Question Is an Internal Matter, Lin Says
Lin reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, stressing that the Taiwan question is strictly an internal affair that allows no external interference.
He stated that the fundamental reality across the Taiwan Strait is that both sides belong to one and the same China, adding that the primary threat to peace and stability stems from separatist activities and the support they receive from outside forces.
Lin emphasized that the one-China principle represents a broad international consensus and forms a cornerstone of international relations, serving as the political foundation for China’s diplomatic relations with 183 countries.
He urged Japan, Australia, and European states to honor the political commitments they made when establishing diplomatic ties with Beijing and to cease any actions that could be interpreted as condoning or supporting “Taiwan independence.”
Taiwan Condemns PLA ‘Justice Mission 2025’ Drills
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry on December 29, 2025, strongly condemned the PLA’s large-scale military exercises planned around the island, labeling them as dangerous provocations.
The statement followed an announcement by the PLA Eastern Theater Command that it would conduct live-fire drills codenamed “Justice Mission 2025” on December 30.
According to Shi Yi, the exercises involve ground forces, naval forces, air forces, and missile units, with operations taking place in the Taiwan Strait and areas north, southwest, southeast, and east of the island.
The PLA released coordinates for five restricted zones and urged aircraft and vessels not involved in the drills to avoid those areas during the exercises.
China Warns US Arms Sales Are ‘Speeding Up’ Threat of War
Separately, Beijing warned that recent US arms sales to Taiwan are accelerating the risk of war in the Taiwan Strait.
Earlier this month, United States announced an arms package worth US$11.1 billion for Taiwan, described by China as the largest weapons sale ever approved for the island.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said Washington had reneged on its commitments by escalating arms sales and increasing official engagement with Taiwan.
Zhang accused the United States of interfering in China’s internal affairs and sending a “serious wrong signal” to separatist forces, warning that such actions severely undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Earlier, on December 20, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also stated that US arms transfers to Taipei constitute interference in China’s internal affairs and undermine China’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. (PW)