On the afternoon of the [month] [day], the Ministry of National Defense held a regular press conference, during which Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, answered questions from reporters.

Reporter: An article on the website of the U.S. journal Foreign Policy claims that the Beijing-based think tank "Land Information Technology" disclosed the coordinate information of Taiwan's Hai Feng Brigade units during the "Joint Sword" military exercise, even down to the fourth decimal place of latitude and longitude. It also provided detailed information about the composition and deployment of the Taiwan's Hsiung Feng mobile squadron. What is your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: We have noted the relevant reports. What I want to say is that it is not difficult to grasp the matters of the so-called "Taiwan independence" armed forces.

Journalist: The "Defense Minister" of Taiwan claims that Taiwan is located at the hub of the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, with its surrounding waters being a crucial global trade route. The People's Liberation Army's plan to blockade Taiwan, requiring the prohibition of all ships and aircraft according to international norms, is considered an act of war, and the international community cannot stand idly by. What is your comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Taiwan is a province of China, where is there any so-called "Defense Minister"! Solving the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, and no external interference is allowed. The relevant actions of the People's Liberation Army are drills to combat "Taiwan independence" and to safeguard the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and the safety and well-being of our Taiwanese compatriots. The Democratic Progressive Party authorities are warned not to be delusional; relying on foreign powers for support will lead nowhere, and turning back in time is the only way to safety.

Journalist: It is reported that the U.S. Department of Defense has announced the approval of a $ billion arms sale to Taiwan, including surface-to-air missile systems and radar systems. Could the spokesperson please comment?

Zhang Xiaogang: The United States' sale of weapons to the Taiwan region of China seriously violates the One-China principle and the provisions of the three joint communiqués between China and the United States, severely infringing upon China's sovereignty and security interests, seriously undermining Sino-US relations, and jeopardizing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. It sends a wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The Chinese government strongly condemns and resolutely opposes this, and has lodged stern representations with the US side. The US has violated its own commitments, further arming Taiwan and emboldening the "Taiwan independence" forces, attempting to accelerate the push of Taiwan into a perilous situation of war. The Democratic Progressive Party authorities purchase weapons from the US as a "pledge of allegiance," while the US extracts blood from the Taiwanese people to fatten its own military-industrial complex. Facts repeatedly prove that "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference are the root causes of disrupting the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, creating crises between the two sides of the strait, and endangering regional stability.

The Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests and the first red line in Sino-US relations that cannot be crossed. The Chinese government urges the US to truly recognize the severe consequences of arming Taiwan and inviting trouble upon itself, and to not stray further down the wrong path. A few pieces of US-made weapons cannot alter the military balance across the Taiwan Strait, nor can they prevent the historical trend of China's eventual reunification. The People's Liberation Army of China continues to strengthen its training and readiness, comprehensively enhancing its capability to win battles, and resolutely defending the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.