Chinese defense ministry refutes validity of 'Taiwan Strait's median line'

BEIJING -- A Chinese defense ministry spokesperson on Thursday refuted the validity of the so-called "Taiwan Strait's median line."

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the comments in response to a media query regarding allegations by the U.S. press that China's military planes have constantly crossed the so-called "Taiwan Strait's median line."

There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China's territory, said Zhang, adding that the so-called "Taiwan Strait's median line" is invalid.

The military training and exercises conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Taiwan Strait are legitimate actions to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests, Zhang said.

These moves are deterrence and countermeasures against external interference and provocations by "Taiwan independence" forces as well as necessary steps to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Zhang added.

We will continue to intensify military training and preparedness to resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Zhang said.