Mainland warns Taiwan separatists to stop provocations

China will not stop punishing separatists seeking "Taiwan independence" as long as provocations for the "independence" continue, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.

Multiple forces of the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command started joint exercises around Taiwan island on Tuesday. The US, the EU and Japan reacted to the exercises with accusations.

The accusations are groundless and interference in China's domestic affairs, Guo Jiakun said at a regular news conference, voicing China's strong dissatisfaction.

The Taiwan question is purely China's domestic affair, and allows no foreign interference, he said, adding that it's the separatist activities and support from external forces that undermine peace across the Taiwan Strait.

Guo called on the US, the EU and Japan to follow the one-China principle, honor the political commitments they have made to China, respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose any form of "Taiwan independence".

China's joint exercises around the island is a firm punishment to the Lai Ching-te authority over its provocations to seek "Taiwan independence", and is a stern warning to the separatist forces, Guo said.

The exercises are also China's responsible move to safeguard its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, he said, adding that external forces have no rights to make indiscreet comments.

"We allow no individual or force to separate Taiwan from China in any form, and will take every measure necessary to safeguard our state sovereignty and territorial integrity," Guo said.