Beijing-January 11, 2023

Coinciding with the visit of German and Lithuanian deputies to Taiwan,

 China responded to foreign visits by conducting large-scale military exercises, and China also threatened to attack Taiwan again, warning that foreign politicians dealing with the island are” playing with fire.”

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council, said China reaffirmed its commitment in the new year to"safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and smash Taiwan independence plots".

"The malicious support for Taiwan independence by anti-China elements in a few foreign countries is a deliberate provocation,"Ma Xiao said at a biweekly press conference.

"We call on the relevant countries to stop sending false signals to Taiwan's separatist forces, and stop playing with fire on the Taiwan issue,"The Associated Press quoted Ma Xiao as saying.

It is noteworthy that China considers Taiwan part of its territory, and believes that it should be brought under its control by force if necessary.

Taiwan's military is holding drills this week aimed at reassuring residents of its ability to counter China's threats ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday this month.

"The most important thing is to maintain the safety of our airspace and national security,"Taiwanese Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Wu bongying told reporters at Hsinchu Air Base, south of Taipei.