Mainland defense spokesman affirms opposition to separatism

The Chinese military is willing to create "broad space" for peaceful reunification, but will "never leave any room for 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities in any form", a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

"It is perfectly justified and reasonable for the People's Liberation Army to carry out relevant military operations in response to interference by external forces and 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities," said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense.

He made the remarks in response to some recent comments and moves from politicians, including the US' latest round of arms sales to the island and an official who claimed the island should remain vigilant about any "sudden entry" of the PLA.

"Taiwan is China's Taiwan and is of all the Chinese people," Tan said. "The ongoing tension across the Taiwan Straits is rooted in the fact the island's Democratic Progressive Party has conspired with external forces to seek 'independence' provocatively and insisted on standing against the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation."

The spokesman underlined the high significance of the Taiwan question, adding it is purely China's internal affair.

"It is the core of China's interests and the first red line in China-US relations," he said, noting China firmly opposes any form of US-Taiwan official exchanges and military collusion.

"We urge the US to abandon its attempt to utilize Taiwan to contain China and stop 'salami-slicing' tricks," the defense official said.

Tan warned that the PLA stands highly vigilant in resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to any attempt to split the motherland and any interference and provocation by external forces.