China says PLA drills near Taiwan are punitive and deterrent action

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Tuesday that the military drills conducted by the People's Liberation Army in areas near the Taiwan island are a punitive and deterrent action against separatist forces who seek "Taiwan independence" through military buildup.

He made the remarks when asked to comment on US President Donald Trump's recent comments. Trump, whose administration recently approved a record $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, said he was not worried by China's live-fire military drills surrounding the island.

Responding at a regular news briefing, Lin said that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

"The drills are a punitive and deterrent action against separatist forces who seek 'Taiwan independence' through military buildup, and a necessary move to safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.