China's military vows to enhance combat readiness following Taiwan president speeches

BEIJING, June 26 (Reuters) - The People's Liberation Army "shows zero tolerance to Taiwan independence separatist activities", a Chinese defence ministry spokesperson said on Thursday when asked about recent speeches made by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te.

The PLA will enhance combat readiness to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang told a regular press conference.

Zhang accused Lai of forgetting about history and distorting facts, which he said demonstrated Lai's "ill intention" to make provocations and escalate cross-strait tensions.