正文
China confirmed on Monday a military drill near the Taiwan Strait, calling the exercise a firm response to external forces that deliberately condone and support "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.
It also urged the United States to cease provocative actions and handle the Taiwan question with extreme caution.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks as it is widely believed that the drill by the People's Liberation Army was related to the US State Department's update on its Taiwan fact sheet, which removed previous wording that stated it did not support "Taiwan independence".
Mao said the move represented a significant regression in the US stance on the Taiwan question.
It was another egregious example by the US to deliberately "use Taiwan to contain China", sending a seriously erroneous signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, she said.
Describing China's military actions as necessary, legitimate and just measures to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, Mao underscored that they also served as a "stern warning" to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.
"'Taiwan independence' is incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait. Pursuing 'Taiwan independence' is a dead end, while 'using Taiwan to contain China' will ultimately backfire," she said.
The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and the one-China principle is the political foundation of China-US relations, Mao emphasized, urging the US to abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiques in order to prevent further damage to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and bilateral ties.
In a separate development, Mao condemned a joint statement and a declaration on maritime security and prosperity by the Group of Seven foreign ministers, saying that China has lodged solemn representations with countries concerned.
The documents, released on Friday, once again raised concerns about China-related issues, including the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue. Mao dismissed these statements as distortions of the truth, designed to slander and defame China.
