Cross-strait relations are again facing a choice between two futures, and the Taiwan authorities must make the right choice as to where the island goes, Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said on Wednesday. 

Tan's remarks followed claims in Taiwan that the Chinese People's Liberation Army's recent live-fire joint military exercises and training around the island are the beginning of a process and the strategic space for Taiwan is being compressed. 

"For the well-being of the Taiwan compatriots, we are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and with the utmost efforts," Tan said. "But the Chinese People's Liberation Army will never leave room for any form of 'Taiwan independence' secessionist acts or interference by external forces." 

(Cover: file photo of Tan Kefei. /China's Ministry of National Defense)