Taiwan's DPP blasted for seeking 'independence' by force

A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Wednesday denounced the Democratic Progressive Party, the ruling party of Taiwan, for seeking "independence" by force after the island launched production of its first locally made submarine on Tuesday.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that the DPP authorities' attempt to engage in armed confrontation and seek "independence" by force is doomed to failure.

"The more they engage in these acts, the closer they are to self-destruction," she added.

The island on Tuesday officially began work on its first self-produced submarine in an effort to improve its defensive capability against the mainland, and it is expected to be completed by 2024.

Tsai Ing-wen, the island leader, said the construction "demonstrates Taiwan's strong will to the world to protect its sovereignty" while attending the launch ceremony in the southern port city of Kaohsiung on the island, which was also attended by Brent Christensen, director of the American Institute in Taiwan.