Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua stated that the latest military exercises of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near Taiwan respond to the pro-independence provocations and the attempt to undermine peace in the strait.

Chen underscored there is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

The spokesperson said the military drills seek to sanction firmly the actions made by Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te, who is a strong promoter of separatism.

Chen underscored that Lai’s actions since he took office have defied the one-China principle.

The spokesperson noted that the leader pushes the idea of “two countries” and hinders exchanges between Taiwan and mainland China.

ef/iff/lam/idm