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BEIJING — China on Wednesday reaffirmed its threats to take action to block “independence separatist plots” by self-governing Taiwan, following the recent passage of Chinese navy ships through the Taiwan Strait.

Spokesman for the Cabinet’s Taiwan Affairs Office Ma Xiaoguang made the comments in response to a question about whether the mission by a destroyer and cruiser was intended as a warning to the island’s independence-leaning government.

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“We have the stern will, full confidence and sufficient capability to defeat any form of Taiwan independence separatist plots,” Ma said at a news conference.

China “absolutely will not permit Taiwan independence forces to … interfere with the course of China’s great rejuvenation,” he said in reference to Beijing’s drive to take its places among global powers.

Ma’s comments came as U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis is visiting Beijing for talks, during which Chinese officials are expected to reiterate their opposition to U.S. military assistance to Taiwan.