China has refrained from committing to renouncing the use of force regarding Taiwan, a stance that targets external interference and a small faction of separatists, as stated by the Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday following recent military exercises near the island.

China, which considers Taiwan—governed democratically—as part of its territory, conducted extensive drills around the island on Monday, which it described as a warning against “separatist actions” in light of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s national day address last week.

“We are committed to pursuing the possibility of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and effort,” said Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, during a regular press briefing in Beijing. “However, we will not pledge to renounce the use of force,” he added. This position is specifically directed at the interference from “external forces,” referring to the United States and its allies, as well as the very small group of separatists in Taiwan, rather than the majority of the Taiwanese population, Chen clarified.

Taiwan’s administration firmly denies Beijing’s claims of sovereignty, asserting that the future of the island should be determined solely by its residents. During a press conference in Taipei on Wednesday, Tsai Ming-yen, the Director-General of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, remarked that China’s military exercises have had the opposite effect of what was intended, drawing significant international criticism, particularly from the United States. “The military actions of the Chinese communists have inadvertently strengthened global support for Taiwan,” he stated.

In his speech on October 10, Lai emphasized that China does not have the authority to represent Taiwan, while expressing the island’s readiness to collaborate with Beijing on pressing issues such as climate change. This approach was characterized by Taiwan officials as a blend of firmness and a gesture of goodwill towards China. In response, Chinese spokesperson Chen criticized Lai for maintaining a “stubborn separatist position,” asserting that there was no genuine goodwill present.

Lai has consistently proposed discussions with China but has faced rejection. On Monday, China’s military indicated that additional drills near Taiwan could occur based on the degree of “provocation.” Tsai stated that the government is vigilant regarding potential military actions. “We cannot dismiss any possibilities,” he remarked. Over the last five years, China has routinely deployed warships and military aircraft in the vicinity of Taiwan, nearly every day.

In its daily report on Chinese activities from the past 24 hours, Taiwan’s defense ministry noted the detection of 22 Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels on Wednesday morning.