Defense spokesperson has harsh words for 'Taiwan independence' secessionists

"Taiwan independence" means war, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, said on Thursday.

Wu made the remarks at a news conference in response to some media reports saying the Taiwan DPP authorities have recently stated they will deepen relations with the US.

At the same time, Taiwan's defense department has also played up the entry of People's Liberation Army aircraft into the island's self-proclaimed southwest air defense identification zone.

Wu said Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory and the Taiwan question is China's internal affair that allows no foreign interference.

The military activities carried out by PLA across the Taiwan Straits are necessary actions in response to the current security situation, he said, and are essential to safeguard national sovereignty and security and a stern response to external forces and "Taiwan independence" secessionists.

He said the reunification of the country is desired by people on both sides. In the long history of the Chinese nation, the actions of a handful of Taiwan separatists seeking "independence" are like "foam" and "cannot stir big waves".

"We are telling those 'Taiwan independence' separatists: those who play with fire will burn themselves, and 'Taiwan independence' means war," he said. "The PLA will take all necessary measures to resolutely thwart any form of 'Taiwan independence' secessionist attempts and firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity."