China says further steps ready to target Taiwan independence

China is prepared to take further steps to counter perceived moves by self-ruling Taiwan toward formal independence following recent war games aimed at intimidating the island's leaders, the government said today.

Signals sent by the military exercises "are extremely distinct and clear," the spokesman for the Cabinet's Taiwan Affairs Office, Ma Xiaoguang, told reporters at a bi-weekly news briefing.

"We have the firm will, complete confidence and sufficient capability to frustrate any types of Taiwan independence schemes or actions and protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Ma said.

"If the Taiwan independence forces continue to act however they wish, we will take further actions," he said.

Responding to Ma's comments, Taiwan's equivalent Cabinet agency, the Mainland Affairs Council, said Chinese "military pressure and threats are a provocation and sabotage of the status quo of peace in the Taiwan Strait and region."