Military drill 'stern warning' to separatists

US urged to cease provocations, handle Taiwan question with extreme caution

China confirmed on Monday a military drill near the Taiwan Strait, calling the exercise a firm response to external forces that deliberately condone and support "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

It also urged the United States to cease provocative actions and handle the Taiwan question with extreme caution.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks as it is widely believed that the drill by the People's Liberation Army was related to the US State Department's update on its Taiwan fact sheet, which removed previous wording that stated it did not support "Taiwan independence".