Defense spokesman condemns DPP for escalating cross-Strait tensions

A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman on Thursday condemned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities for deliberately escalating cross-Strait tensions through concurrent military exercises, warning that pursuing political self-interest would ultimately come at a cost.

The remarks were made by Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference in response to the synchronized timing of two military drills in the region. The United States and Japan are conducting the "Valiant Shield 2026" multinational exercises from Monday to July 1. Meanwhile, Taiwan's military launched a five-day "immediate combat readiness exercise" on Monday.

Commenting on the overlap between the two drills, Zhang accused the DPP authorities of deliberately creating tensions and intensifying confrontation across the Taiwan Strait, describing such actions as unpopular.

"Relying on military exercises for reassurance will not bring true security," Zhang said. He added that those who normalize confrontation and place political self-interest above the well-being of the people will ultimately pay the price.

Zhang emphasized that the People's Liberation Army remains on high alert and is fully prepared to resolutely counter any "Taiwan independence" provocations.