China's Ministry of Defense on Thursday vowed to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to its Taiwan region's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority's remarks "stirring up opposition."

It is the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) duty to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and protect against any interference by external forces or moves seeking "Taiwan independence," Tan Kefei, spokesperson for the Ministry, told the media at a press conference.  

The Chinese military will strengthen its sense of responsibility and remain on high alert, Tan said.

Speaking of military relations between China and the U.S., Tan said China's attitude is consistent, clear, positive and candid.

He said the two sides conducted a pragmatic and in-depth exchange of views on the bilateral relations and issues of common concern in late September.

According to him, major results were achieved in three aspects.

First, the two sides agreed that a stable bilateral relationship is in the interest of both sides.

Second, the two sides made constructive exchanges on issues such as crisis management, building trust and future cooperation.

Third, they also exchanged views on relevant policy issues that may influence the development of bilateral ties.

China stated that maintaining strategic communication between the two armies is not only beneficial to the two sides but also in accordance with the common aspiration of the international community, Tan said.

Noting the ups and downs of the bilateral relations between the two countries since the establishment of the diplomatic ties, Tan called for dialogue and cooperation as confrontation will lead nowhere.

We hope the U.S. side would take a rational and pragmatic foreign policy towards China and push forward the sound and stable development of bilateral ties with concrete efforts, Tan said.