Question: Recently, the BBC has reported that pressure between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait has been building, with the past year seeing a record number of mainland “warplane incursions sent into Taiwan's air defence zone”. What is your comment?

Spokesperson: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affairs that brooks no foreign interference.

The provocative moves of the DPP authorities in the island to seek independence and the interference by external forces are the greatest threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the root cause of the current tension. We are ready to make the greatest effort with the utmost sincerity to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification. At the same time, we are firmly opposed to secessionist activities aimed at “Taiwan independence” and external interference, and we are resolved to safeguard our sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. The military activities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China in the Taiwan Strait are necessary operations taken in view of the current security situation in the region and the need to safeguard national sovereignty and security. They are the solemn response to secessionist provocations and external interference.