The Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned the leader of the Taiwan region, Lai Ching-te, saying he was trying to increase tensions in the Taiwan Strait for his political self interest.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press briefing that Taiwan has "no so-called sovereignty", as it is part of China, and that Lai had sought to "deliberately sever" the historical connection between the two in a speech he gave earlier in the day.

"It again exposed his stubborn stance of 'Taiwan independence' and sinister intention of increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait to seek political gain," Mao said.

She added that Lai had used "all manner of tactics to peddle the fantasy of ‘Taiwan independence’".

Lai had said the mainland has “no right” to represent Taiwan, but added that the island is willing to work with authorities in Beijing to combat challenges like climate change.