The recent patrol and exercise operations conducted by the People's Liberation Army in areas surrounding Taiwan island were intended to punish "Taiwan independence" separatists, according to a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian said on Thursday that the PLA Eastern Theater Command recently organized its naval and air forces to carry out combat-readiness patrols, joint drills and training in waters and airspace around Taiwan, testing and enhancing the troops' combat capabilities.

"This serves as a powerful punishment and deterrence for 'Taiwan independence' separatists and a stern warning to external interfering forces, and it is completely legitimate and necessary," Wu said. "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. It has never been a nation; neither in the past, nor in the present, nor will it ever be in the future."

Wu made the remarks when responding to a request for comment on a recent statement by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te claiming that the two sides across the Taiwan Strait are "not subordinate to each other" and the mainland is a "foreign hostile force".

The PLA will resolutely implement the Communist Party of China's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, and maintain combat readiness around the clock, Wu said.

The PLA is capable of fighting at any time, is determined to win in any battle, and will take resolute measures to defeat any separatist attempt for "Taiwan independence", he added.

In response to another request for comment on Japan's concern about the Chinese mainland's possible "military actions" on Taiwan, Wu said: "This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. We urge the Japanese side to learn from history, be cautious in their words and actions in the fields of military and security affairs, and stop distorting China's defense policies and military strategies."

He stressed that Japan has nothing to do with the Taiwan question, and it is in no moral position to talk about Taiwan.

"Only by adhering to the one-China policy and opposing 'Taiwan independence' separatism can peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait be ensured," the spokesman said.