China's Defense Minister Stands by Response to Provocation.

China's defense minister, Li Shangfu, defended the country's response to "provocations" near its airspace and waters, including recent maneuvers that have been criticized as dangerous or unprofessional. He questioned why foreign jets and naval vessels were operating so close to China and said foreign militaries should "mind your own business" closer to home. Li also reiterated that Taiwan is an internal Chinese affair and accused Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party of undermining regional stability by pushing for "incremental independence."