The PLA air force planes conduct training exercises, Nov 19, 2017. (CHEN JIE/XINHUA)

BEIJING - China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) will conduct real-combat military drills near the Taiwan Straits from Friday, said a defense ministry spokesperson.

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Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said the drills are necessary under the current situation in the Taiwan Straits to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Reiterating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, Ren said the Taiwan issue is purely China's internal affairs and allows no external interference.

The United States and the Democratic Progressive Party government in Taiwan have recently strengthen their collusion, often creating troubles, Ren said.

"Those who play with fire will get burnt," Ren said.

The PLA has the firm will, abundant confidence, and enough capabilities to thwart any interference by foreign forces or "Taiwan independence" activities, Ren added.  

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