Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, answers media queries at a press briefing in Beijing, China, Feb 29, 2024. (PHOTO / MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, CHINA)

BEIJING - A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday slammed Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for procurement of weapons from the United States, noting that pursuing "independence" by force would only drive Taiwan perilously close to war.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the comments in response to a media query concerning Taiwan's planned purchase of US missiles.

No matter how many weapons the DPP authorities procure using the hard-earned money of the Taiwan people, they cannot change the basic fact that Taiwan is China's Taiwan, let alone stop the inevitable trend of national reunification, Zhang said.

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The US arms sales to China's Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique, Zhang added, noting that such acts infringe on China's sovereignty and security and undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Zhang Xiaogang stressed that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China's territory, adding that the so-called "Taiwan Strait's median line" is invalid

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will take all necessary measures to resolutely foil any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist plot, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and maintain peace and stability across the Strait, he added. 

Zhang also refuted the validity of the so-called "Taiwan Strait's median line".

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He made the comments in response to a media query regarding allegations by the US press that China's military planes have constantly crossed the so-called "Taiwan Strait's median line".

There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China's territory, said Zhang, adding that the so-called "Taiwan Strait's median line" is invalid.

The military training and exercises conducted by the PLA in the Taiwan Strait are legitimate actions to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests, Zhang said. 

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These moves are deterrence and countermeasures against external interference and provocations by "Taiwan independence" forces as well as necessary steps to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Zhang added. 

We will continue to intensify military training and preparedness to resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Zhang said.