Beijing, China - April 2, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Screenshot of remarks by spokesman of Ministry of National Defense Zhang Xiaogang
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Zhang Anqi, anchor, China Media Group (CMG):
"The Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te have recklessly pursued provocative actions in a bid for 'Taiwan independence,' and have escalated tensions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. They are rampaging down a road of seeking 'Taiwan independence,' relying on foreign support and the use of force. The PLA Eastern Theater Command conducted joint exercises surrounding Taiwan Island, showing a strong ability to strike down 'Taiwan independence' provocations and demonstrating the firm determination and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The drills serve as a strong deterrent to separatists who are reckless and intentionally instigate conflicts, which are completely legitimate, necessary and reasonable.
'Taiwan independence' and peace in the Strait are as irreconcilable as fire and water. Attempts at 'Taiwan independence' will push the island towards military conflict and put compatriots in Taiwan in grave peril. No matter who plays the 'Taiwan card' to interfere in China's internal affairs, they are making unwise moves that will harm not only the region, but also themselves. Eventually, they will not be able to bear it. It has been proven time and again that 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and the authorities led by Lai Ching-te are the greatest threat to the current situation in the Taiwan Strait. They are in every sense troublemakers creating a crisis.
We would like to tell the Lai Ching-te authorities that those who play with fire will eventually get burned. The more provocations they make, the faster they will meet their demise. Certain other countries, if they truly wish for peace and stability in the Strait, must adhere to the one-China principle and stop sending the wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces. The PLA will continue to intensify military training and preparedness, enhance its real combat capabilities to counter secessionist attempts and foreign interference, resolutely crush all 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities, and firmly advance the process of China's national reunification."

East China - April 1, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
3. Various of soldiers running; military vehicles moving
4. Various of soldiers preparing to launch missile
5. Warplanes taking off
6. Various of warplane in flight; pilot
7. Aerial shot of warship sailing
8. Soldiers on board
9. Warship sailing

East China - April 2, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
10. Soldiers running
11. Military vehicles moving on road
12. Various of rocket launchers firing at targets
13. Aerial shot of target being hit
14. Fighter-bomber in air
15. Various of fighter-bombers in flight, pilot

At Sea - April 2, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
16. Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy Aircraft Carrier Shandong sailing on sea
17. Pilot in cockpit of fighter jet in preparation to take off from Aircraft Carrier Shandong
18. Various of fighter jet taking off from deck

FILE: Taipei City, Taiwan, China - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
19. Various of Taipei 101 Tower, traffic

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday said that the latest multi-subject drills conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in waters around the Taiwan Island are completely legitimate, necessary and reasonable.

Zhang Xiaogang made the remarks in response to a relevant query.

The PLA Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday conducted multi-subject drills in waters to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island.

On Wednesday, the Shandong aircraft carrier task group was deployed to simulate strikes on ground and maritime targets in areas to the east of the island.

In his remarks, Zhang condemned the Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te for recklessly carrying out provocative actions to seek "Taiwan independence," and escalating tensions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The PLA's drills demonstrated the determination and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, serving as a strong deterrent to separatists who intentionally instigate conflicts, Zhang said.

Noting that "Taiwan independence" and peace in the Strait are as irreconcilable as fire and water, Zhang said that those who play with fire will eventually get themselves burned.

Zhang noted that the more provocations they make, the faster they will meet their demise.

The spokesperson also said that certain countries -- if they truly wish for peace and stability in the Strait -- must adhere to the one-China principle and stop sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

The PLA will continue to intensify military training and preparedness, enhance its real combat capabilities to counter secessionist attempts and foreign interference, resolutely crush all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and firmly advance the process of China's national reunification, Zhang said.