Spokesman blasts 'military threat' assertion from Taiwan leader

A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday condemned Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen for distorting the mainland's just act of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity as "military threat".

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks in a statement after Tsai promoted strengthening the island's "defense" in her meeting with United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Taipei on Wednesday.

Tsai's remarks are part of the secessionist plot for "Taiwan independence", as is the so-called claim of "upholding democracy", Ma said, adding that the tension in the Taiwan Straits is the result of collusion between "Taiwan independence" forces and foreign forces.

He warned Tsai and the Democratic Progressive Party administration that seeking "independence" by force will only accelerate their demise.