The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Thursday vowed no tolerance of "Taiwan independence," after Tsai Ing-wen, leader of China's Taiwan region, reportedly confirmed "U.S. troops are training military on the island."

Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the office, slammed Tsai and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority for seeking "Taiwan independence" on the world stage under the guise of "democracy" and "freedom." The DPP authority's constant provocations in seeking "Taiwan independence" are the root cause to escalated tensions and risks in the Taiwan Straits, Ma said. 

"We will have zero tolerance for 'Taiwan independence' and will fight against separatist behaviors seeking 'Taiwan independence' at any cost," he said. "Nobody should underestimate our strong resolve, determination and capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity." 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday also commented on Tsai's remarks, voicing opposition to any form of official exchanges and military contacts between the United States and the island. 

(Cover: Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, speaks at a regular press briefing in Beijing, October 27, 2021. /CFP)