China firmly opposes military ties between US and Taiwan, says FM on Taiwan drills featuring US rocket system

In response to a media inquiry about the Taiwan region's launch of its "annual military exercise" - which will, for the first time, use the newly delivered US high-tech rocket system, - and remarks by the leader of Taiwan's defense authority stating that the exercise is intended to demonstrate to the mainland that the island's military has the capability and confidence to defend "a free and democratic life," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on Wednesday that first of all, Taiwan's so-called "exercise" is not a diplomatic matter. 

"But what I can tell you is that our position on opposing military ties between the US and Taiwan region is consistent and very firm," Mao said, noting that the DPP authorities' attempt to "pursue 'independence' by force and relying on external support' won't succeed.