BEIJING - The Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday that it has added 8 entities from China's Taiwan region to the export control list.

These companies have deliberately cooperated with the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, a spokesperson for the ministry said in a statement.

The decision was made to maintain national sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, according to the statement.

The export of dual-use items to these 8 companies will be prohibited, the spokesperson said, stressing that no exporter will be allowed to violate these control measures.

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Also on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office voiced strong support for the decision to include eight Taiwan entities in the export control list.

"This is a necessary move to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," said spokesperson Chen Binhua.

Chen emphasized that the move delivers a stern warning to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces for their repeated provocative attempts to seek independence.

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Lai Ching-te, since taking office, has stubbornly adhered to a "Taiwan independence" stance, blatantly promoting separatist rhetoric and attempting to pursue independence by relying on external forces and building up military forces, Chen said.

He noted that certain entities in Taiwan have participated in these activities and supported separatist forces.

"Enterprises, groups and individuals who willingly act as accomplices to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and are involved in activities aimed at splitting the country or inciting secession will be severely punished according to the law," the spokesperson said.