China opposes using navigation freedom as pretext to threaten sovereignty, security: spokesman

China firmly opposes any country using the pretext of freedom of navigation to carry out provocations or threaten the country's sovereignty and security, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday.

Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, made statement at a daily press conference in Beijing, in response to a media inquiry about reports that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in the island of Taiwan claimed that 46 People's Liberation Army military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait in the past 24 hours, and that whether this is related to the recent transit of a Japanese warship through the Strait or visit of U.S. lawmakers to the island.

"The Taiwan question concerns China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China respects the lawful navigation rights of all countries in the relevant waters of the Taiwan Strait. However, we firmly oppose any country using the pretext of freedom of navigation to carry out provocations or threaten China's sovereignty and security," said the spokesman.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended New Year wishes for the coming year when delivering his New Year message to ring in 2026.

"Greetings to all! Year after year, life opens a fresh chapter. As the new year begins, I extend my best wishes to you from Beijing!" Xi said in the message delivered through China Media Group and the Internet.

Noting that 2025 marks the completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for economic and social development, Xi commended the country's efforts in the past five years, saying the Chinese people have pressed ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and overcome many difficulties and challenges.

The country met the targets in the Plan and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization, he said.