Beijing Says Military Exercises To Threaten Taiwan

A central government spokesman said on Wednesday that the People's Liberation Army's exercises around Taiwan are intended as a direct threat to the island's administration over moves Beijing sees as pushing for Taiwan's independence from the mainland.

The message conveyed by the recent drills is "very clear," spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office An Fengshan said at a biweekly news conference.

"It is a strong warning to Taiwan independence separatist forces and their activities. It demonstrates our determination and capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," An said.

China has the "firm will, full confidence and sufficient capabilities" to block moves toward Taiwan's formal independence, An said.

Since her election in 2016, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has refused Beijing's demand that she recognise Taiwan as a part of China. That prompted Beijing to cut off contact with her government, step up military exercises and work to increase Taiwan's diplomatic isolation.

Mainland media have given heavy publicity to frequent missions by air force fighters, bombers and surveillance planes to circle Taiwan. The PLA last month held drills on its side of the Taiwan Strait and has repeatedly sailed its sole operating aircraft carrier through the 160-kilometre-wide waterway.

Despite Beijing's threats and strong economic ties between the sides, surveys show few Taiwanese favour political unification with the authoritarian, Communist Party-ruled mainland. (AP)