A Chinese mainland spokeswoman on Wednesday warned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities that any attempt to seek "independence" by relying on the United States is futile and destined to fail.

Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stated at a regular news conference that the mainland firmly opposes Lai Ching-te's potential visit to the US under any pretext or form.

Zhu urged the US to adhere to the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiqués, and to handle the Taiwan question with utmost prudence. She added that the US should refrain from sending any wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

"We sternly warn the Lai authorities that any attempt to seek 'independence' by relying on the US is futile and bound to fail," Zhu said.

According to reports, DPP authorities are attempting to arrange for Lai to "transit" through the US before the end of the year.

Lin Chia-lung, head of Taiwan's "foreign affairs department", said in a recent interview that he is "confident" about Lai's "transit" through the US.