The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army is ready and able to smash any attempt to jeopardize China's national unity and safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and interests, according to its commander.

General Lin Xiangyang said at a symposium on Friday in Beijing marking the 20th anniversary of the enforcement of the Anti-Secession Law that in recent years, the PLA has been focused on achieving its centenary goal set by the Communist Party of China and has been vigorously deepening the reform of national defense and the military.

The armed forces have accelerated their modernization efforts, comprehensively strengthened combat-oriented joint exercisers and training, and commissioned a large number of world-class weapons and equipment. All of these have given the PLA a greater ability to win informatized and intelligent wars and made it fully prepared to deal with all threats and challenges brought about by "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference, according to him.

"If the 'Taiwan independence' separatists persist in their course and even take reckless actions, and if external forces insist on creating tension and turmoil across the Taiwan Strait, the PLA will, together with the people of the whole country, including the people of Taiwan, take all necessary measures to strongly deter and crush them," Lin said.

During the long-term struggle against the "Taiwan independence" and external interfering forces, the PLA has received the firm support of the vast majority of Chinese. It has an unwavering will to face all challenges and defeat all enemies, according to the general.

"We are confident and capable of crushing any activities that undermine national unity and split the country, and we are confident and capable of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests," he said.

The general noted that his command resolutely implements the Party's overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, firmly shoulders the "glorious mission entrusted by history", maintains a high state of combat readiness at all times and is ready to fight at any moment.

"We have been forging more reliable means and stronger capabilities to make thorough and solid military preparations for facilitating the complete reunification of the motherland," he stressed.