The Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom on Tuesday refuted remarks by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on the People's Liberation Army (PLA) exercises around Taiwan, saying the comments distorted facts and interfered in China's internal affairs.

China "deeply deplores and firmly opposes" the UK's statement, a spokesperson of the Chinese embassy said.

Taiwan is a province of China, and Taiwan question is China's internal affair, the spokesperson said, adding that the drills conducted by the PLA constitute a punitive and deterrent action against Taiwan separatist forces, a stern warning against external interference and a necessary move to safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.?

"No country is?entitled to make irresponsible comments on it," the spokesperson said. ??

The spokesperson noted that China urges the UK government to "earnestly respect the one-China principle and honour its commitment to China, refraining from any action which interferes in China's internal affairs, emboldens the separatists in Taiwan and undermines peace and stability in Taiwan Strait".