ISTANBUL 

China Tuesday said it has uncovered more than 1,000 cases of Taiwanese espionage in recent years.

The State Security Ministry said these cases were exposed through a series of special operations and pledged to maintain pressure on Taiwan's "pro-independence forces," according to a report by South China Morning Post.

It said that the cases included espionage and the theft of state secrets, adding that it destroyed "a large number of spy intelligence networks" established by Taiwanese operatives in mainland China.

The ministry said it continued to "strike hard" against alleged spying activities.

China considers Taiwan its “breakaway province,” while Taipei has maintained its independence since 1949.