BEIJING -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday slammed Lai Ching-te, deputy leader of China's Taiwan region, for his war-related comments.

The pursuit of "Taiwan independence" signifies war, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference.

Zhu made the remarks in response to Lai's recent statement asserting that if he is elected as Taiwan's leader, the chances of a war across the Taiwan Strait are minimal.

Zhu added that people who pursue "Taiwan independence" are essentially instigators of war, and it is rascally to tell a lie like this.