Defense official says Taiwan drills a 'warning'

The Chinese military's recent exercises around Taiwan island are "a warning to provocateurs", a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday in response to groundless accusations from some US and Japanese officials.

"The recent military drills conducted by the People's Liberation Army around the island of Taiwan are open, transparent, professional and appropriate," said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, also spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, noting those drills are "legitimate and righteous actions" to firmly safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said the remarks from some US and Japanese officials are nothing but "calling white black and passing the buck", adding China has stated its firm opposition on many occasions.

"The causes and consequences of the current situation across the Taiwan Straits are very clear," Tan said, stressing the US, the initiator of the crisis, "should and must bear full responsibility".

The spokesman urged the US to practically abide by the one-China principle and take immediate measures to correct its mistakes instead of further exacerbating tensions across the Taiwan Straits.

He also said the Japanese side, which irresponsibly hyped up the so-called China threat theory, has been increasing its defense budget and strengthening its military deployment for some time, arousing concern from regional countries and the international community.

"We urge the Japanese side to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, stop spreading rumors and smearing China and do more to enhance mutual trust with its neighbors and safeguard regional peace and stability," he said.