China has expressed strong opposition to a recent joint statement by the United States and Japan that touches on sensitive issues regarding Taiwan and the Diaoyu Dao islands.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the statement, calling it a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs and an attempt to smear China while increasing regional tensions.
The joint statement, released last week, voiced support for Taiwan’s “meaningful participation” in international organizations and reaffirmed that Article V of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security applies to the Diaoyu Dao, which China asserts as its inherent territory.
“The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair and is central to our core interests,” Guo stated during a daily news briefing. “We will not tolerate any external interference.”
He urged the United States and Japan to respect the one-China principle and to stop sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” forces. Guo emphasized that Taiwan’s participation in international organizations must be handled in line with the one-China principle, noting that Taiwan does not have the right to join organizations limited to sovereign states.
Regarding the Diaoyu Dao islands, Guo reaffirmed China’s sovereignty over them and stated that China’s activities in the surrounding waters are legitimate and lawful.
“We urge the United States and Japan to immediately stop interfering in China’s internal affairs,” Guo said. “They should respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and take concrete actions to promote regional peace and development.”
