PLA cautions Taiwan against crossing red line

The recent military exercises conducted by the People's Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait serve as a strong warning to island authorities against their recent remarks and actions seeking separatist agendas, cautioning them not to cross the red line, experts said.

Zou Zhiqiang, deputy secretary-general of the U.S.-based Alliance for China's Peaceful Reunification, said Taiwan's regional leader, Lai Ching-te, referring to the Chinese mainland as "foreign hostile forces", has caused unforeseen harm to cross-Strait relations, pushing the situation over the Strait into an increasingly dangerous situation.

In a speech last week, Lai said Taiwan is a "sovereign country" and unveiled 17 strategies aimed at countering threats from the mainland and opposing reunification. These strategies involve reinstating the military trial system for "espionage" cases, tightening scrutiny on Taiwan residents applying for mainland identification documents, and raising public awareness about the risks associated with travel to the mainland.

Lai intends to sever cross-Strait communication to suppress and hinder the opposition party, the Chinese Kuomintang, which advocates for cross-Strait exchanges, Zou said, adding that "It is a tactic to solidify his political gain."

Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, said Lai's recent bold moves are an attempt to divert attention from the accusations of "selling out Taiwan" to the United States particularly in relation to the potential relocation of the island's pillar industry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to the U.S.

He said that Lai's labeling of the mainland as "foreign hostile forces" reflects his intention to treat the mainland as an "enemy state", aiming to pave the way for separation through provocation and conflict.

The mainland confirmed a military drill near the Taiwan Strait on Monday, calling it a firm response to external forces that deliberately condone and support "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

Zou condemned the Democratic Progressive Party's continued reliance on foreign forces for separation, warning that it risks the safety and well-being of the Taiwan people for political gain.