This photo taken on June 20, 2019 shows the night view of Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan. (File photo: Xinhua)

China on Monday criticized The New York Times, accusing the newspaper of providing a platform for the Taiwan authorities to spread "Taiwan independence" rhetoric and of referring to China's Taiwan region as a "country."

Speaking at a routine press briefing in Beijing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian said the move seriously violates the one-China principle.

"China firmly opposes this. The New York Times should correct its errors," Lin said.

(Compiled by Liu Xinru)