China vows further action against attempts for 'Taiwan independence'

China said on Thursday that the Chinese army will take further actions if secessionist "Taiwan independence" forces persist.

Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense [Photo: CGTN]

Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks during a regular briefing.

Wu said that China's air force recently conducted military drills around Taiwan Island in a bid to improve its ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

An H-6K bomber is seen conducting training exercises on Nov. 23, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

The Chinese air force said on Thursday that it scrambled fighter jets, early warning aircraft, reconnaissance planes and H-6K bombers from multiple airports for “combat military drills” on Thursday.

"Secessionist 'Taiwan independence' activities are the biggest real threat to the peace and stability of cross-Strait relations, and they damage the fundamental interest of our Taiwan compatriots," Wu pointed out.

"The actions we have taken are aimed at the 'Taiwan independence' forces and activities on the island, in a bid to prevent the Taiwan people from being harmed by the 'Taiwan independence' plot," Wu stressed.

Wu said "we will try our best for the prospect of peaceful reunification, but I have to point out that to engage in 'Taiwan independence' is a dead end, and there is no way to win an armed confrontation."

Dongfeng-26 ballistic missile commissioned

Wu announced at the press conference that the Dongfeng-26 ballistic missile has been commissioned into the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force.

Dongfeng-26 missile in China's V-Day parade, September 3, 2015. [Photo: Xinhua]

The new medium- and long-range ballistic missile was completely developed by the Chinese and will serve for short notice nuclear strikes and conventional precision strikes, against targets on land and large- and medium-sized warships, Wu said.

"China has not changed its defensive nuclear strategy nor the policy of no-first-use with nuclear weapons," he added.

China to attend, co-organize International Army Games 2018

Wu also disclosed that the Chinese army will attend the International Army Games 2018 in Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus from late July to mid-August and co-organize four events in China.

Chinese team members during the International Army Games 2017 in Korla of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, August 1, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

The People's Liberation Army has been invited to take part in the International Army Games hosted by the Russian Defense Ministry since 2014.

"The Chinese army has participated in the games many times, helping to enhance the friendship between militaries from China and other participating countries, help strengthen exchanges in training and improve the level of actual combat," said Wu.