China's Ministry of National Defense said on Wednesday that "Taiwan independence" and peace in the Taiwan Strait are mutually exclusive, emphasizing that whoever plays the Taiwan card to interfere in China's internal affairs will cause regional turmoil and harm themselves.

The ministry's spokesman Zhang Xiaogang made these remarks in response to claims by the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan that the Chinese mainland's military exercises in the Taiwan Strait undermine regional stability and international order. Additionally, some countries, including the United States, have expressed opposition to unilaterally changing the status quo through force or coercion.

Zhang said that the reckless provocations of Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te in pursuit of "independence" have intensified cross-Strait tensions and opposition, recklessly pursuing "independence" by relying on foreign forces and resisting reunification with force.

"The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command conducts joint combat exercises around Taiwan Island, demonstrating its strong capability to strike against 'Taiwan independence' provocations and conveying its determination and will to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity," he said.

The exercises serve as a powerful deterrent against the regressive actions and deliberate warmongering of "Taiwan independence" separatists, which are entirely justified, necessary, and reasonable, Zhang said.

The spokesman emphasized that pursuing "Taiwan independence" will only lead to perilous conflict for Taiwan, plunging its people into suffering.

"Whoever plays the 'Taiwan card' to interfere in China's internal affairs is making an unwise move that will cause regional turmoil and harm themselves, ultimately becoming an unbearable burden," he warned.

The official stressed that facts repeatedly prove that the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and the Lai administration are the greatest challenges to the current situation in the Taiwan Strait, being unequivocal "crisis creators" and "troublemakers".

Zhang warned the Lai administration that those who play with fire will get burned, and the more aggressively they act, the faster they will meet their demise.

"If some countries truly wish for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, they must adhere to the one-China principle and stop sending wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces," he said.

The PLA continues to strengthen its training and readiness, constantly enhancing its combat capabilities against separatism and interference, resolutely thwarting all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and steadfastly advancing the process of national reunification.