BEIJING, Mar. 11 -- "The so-called goodwill mission is merely an excuse for the DPP authorities to solicit foreign support for “Taiwan independence,” said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Wednesday.

Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), made the remarks at a press briefing in response to the reports regarding the 2026 Goodwill Cruising and Training Squadron of Taiwan’s naval force setting sail to visit its so-called diplomatic allies in Central and South America for a large-scale goodwill mission.

The spokesperson pointed out that the one-China principle is a prevailing international consensus and a basic norm in international relations. "It is the political foundation for China’s relations with all the 183 countries who have diplomatic ties with China, and we hope countries in the relevant regions can follow the historical trend of the times, and make right decisions that serve the fundamental and long-term interests of their peoples."

The spokesperson also warned the DPP authorities that no form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities or political manipulation can change the fact that Taiwan is part of China, or alter the international community's support for the one-China principle. "Such attempts are futile," the spokesperson stressed.