, Dec. 31 -- China on Wednesday rejected criticism from Japan and several other countries over recent military drills around Taiwan, calling the remarks irresponsible and hypocritical.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Japan, Australia, some European Union institutions and European countries ignored separatist activities linked to "Taiwan independence" and external interference in China's internal affairs, while blaming Beijing for actions taken to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Lin stressed that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and that the Taiwan issue is purely an internal matter that allows no foreign interference. He said the biggest threats to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait ...