China says 'Taiwan independence' secessionist acts pose 'greatest danger' to peace

Secessionist acts of "Taiwan independence" and the connivance and support of external forces to them pose the "greatest danger" to peace in the Taiwan Straits, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Acts of "Taiwan independence" are incompatible with peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits "as re and water," said Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the ministry, in response to questions about the on-going military exercises around the Taiwan Island at a regular press brie ng in Beijing.

"To maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, we must rmly oppose all forms of 'Taiwan independence' secessionist acts," said Wang.

The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army on Saturday announced the launch of combat readiness patrol and military exercises around the Taiwan Island.

The operations from Saturday to Monday serve as a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence" and external forces and against their provocative activities, said Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the command.

At Monday's brie ng, Wang voiced hope that the international community shall recognize the nature of the Taiwan question, adhere to the one-China principle, and oppose all forms of "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities.