China has issued a strong condemnation against the United States for permitting a stopover by Taiwan’s Vice President Lai Ching-te, intensifying tensions between the two nations.
On Sunday, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry announced that the country has lodged serious protests with the U.S. following Lai’s arrival in Hawaii during his trip to visit diplomatic allies in the Pacific. China views any form of official interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan as a violation of its sovereignty.
“China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the U.S. and the Taiwan region, firmly opposes any trip by the leader of the Taiwan authorities to the U.S. in any name or under whatever pretext,” the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson emphasized that the Taiwan issue is central to China’s core interests and represents a non-negotiable red line in China-U.S. relations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry called on the U.S. to honor its commitments, including not supporting Taiwan independence and ceasing official interactions with Taiwan.
“China will closely monitor developments and take resolute and strong measures to defend our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the spokesperson warned.
Additionally, the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated China’s position, emphasizing its opposition to any form of official exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, accused Lai’s administration of persistently pursuing a “Taiwan independence” stance, provoking cross-Strait tensions and jeopardizing peace and stability in the region.
“No matter what tactics Lai’s administration employs to seek Taiwan independence, they cannot alter the international community’s adherence to the One-China principle, nor stop the historical trend toward China’s eventual reunification,” Chen stressed.
Chinese officials urged the U.S. to recognize what they describe as the separatist nature of Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities and to exercise caution on the Taiwan issue.
Reference(s):
China strongly condemns U.S. arranging for Lai Ching-te's 'stopover'
cgtn.com
