Mainland protests Japan's joint drill with Taiwan

Beijing has made stern representations to Tokyo for conducting a joint drill with Taiwan region, urging Japan to rectify its wrongdoings and abide by the one-China principle.

The drill on Thursday was the first maritime exercise since Japan severed its diplomatic ties with China's Taiwan region in 1972.

It is said that the aim of the drill is to prepare for unforeseen contingencies in the East China Sea and South China Sea, and counter so-called aggressive actions of China.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Friday expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to the joint maritime exercise at a regular news conference.

Japan has made solemn commitments to China on the Taiwan question, including that it will neither support "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan", nor the "Taiwan independence," Lin said, adding that it is the position and principle that Japan must follow.

While urging Tokyo to abide by the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, Lin said Tokyo should immediately correct its mistakes, and not condone and support "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in any form.

He also warned Japan to be cautious in its words and deeds on issues related to the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and refrain from creating disturbances to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and to China-Japan relations.