The Chinese Ministry of Defense accuses Taiwan of forcing its population to become "cannon fodder" through military exercises, calling them destructive.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense has criticized Taiwan for its recent military maneuvers, accusing Taiwanese officials of forcing their citizens to become "cannon fodder" under the pretext of protecting the island. Taiwan's military exercises in July, which included simulations of counter-attack and urban combat, are seen by Beijing as an unnecessary show. China warns that any attempt to assert Taiwan's independence will be futile, reaffirming its position that the island is a province of China.