Beijing issues stern warning to Taiwan over 'provocative actions'

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council issued a stern warning to the Lai Ching-te administration in Taiwan on Monday that its provocative actions against the Chinese mainland could lead to self-destruction after the People's Liberation Army conducted military exercises near the Taiwan Strait on the same day.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said the drills were a response to Lai's repeated promotion of "Taiwan independence" and the rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait. He said the exercises also served as a deterrent against external interference and were necessary to safeguard China's sovereignty and regional stability.

On Monday, the Ministry of State Security publicly identified four senior members of Taiwan's Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command, which it accused of conducting cyber operations against the mainland.

Chen condemned Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, saying it had encouraged cyberattacks against the mainland. He warned that those responsible would face severe punishment.

He also urged people in Taiwan to recognize the DPP administration's promotion of separatism and growing hostility toward the mainland. He warned of serious consequences and called on Taiwan residents to oppose separatist activities and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.