Beijing criticized a number of countries, including Japan and Australia, for their "irresponsible and hypocritical" comments condemning China's military exercises off the coast of Taiwan, Xinhua and Agence France-Presse reported.
"These countries and institutions are turning a blind eye to the actions of separatist forces in Taiwan who are seeking independence by military means," said Lin Jiang, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, quoted by BTA at a briefing. "And now they are making irresponsible criticism of China's necessary and just actions to protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. They distort the facts and confuse the true with the false, which is extremely hypocritical."
According to Lin, China highly values the position of countries such as Russia, Pakistan and Venezuela, which have supported Beijing.
"We would like to reaffirm our unwavering determination to safeguard our national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Any gross provocations that cross the line regarding Taiwan will meet China's firm opposition," the spokesman added.
Earlier this week, Beijing organized large-scale military exercises off the coast of Taiwan. They included live fire and the participation of dozens of aircraft, warships and coast guard vessels.
The exercises have sparked strong reactions from a number of countries around the world, including Japan, Australia and European countries.
Tokyo said earlier today that China's actions were "increasing tensions" in the Taiwan Strait, while Canberra described them as destabilizing.
The EU said the maneuvers were a "threat to international peace and stability."