A Chinese government spokesperson said on Monday that the military drills conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) are specifically targeted at "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said the drills aim to curb collusion between "Taiwan independence" forces and external elements that endanger peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and fundamentally safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Chen made the remarks in response to a media inquiry regarding drills code-named "Justice Mission 2025" around Taiwan Island, which started on Monday and have been conducted by multiple forces of the PLA Eastern Theater Command.