China has strongly condemned the United States for approving a “stopover” by Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te, according to statements released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday. The ministry has lodged serious protests with the U.S., emphasizing its firm opposition to any form of official interaction between the U.S. and the Taiwan region.
Lai Ching-te commenced a trip to what he termed “diplomatic allies” in the Pacific, with a scheduled stopover in Hawaii. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated, “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, and firmly opposes any form of U.S. connivance or support for ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists and their separatist activities.”
The spokesperson highlighted that the Taiwan question remains at the core of China’s core interests and is the first red line that cannot be crossed in Sino-U.S. relations. The ministry urged the U.S. to adhere to commitments made by its leaders, including not supporting “Taiwan independence” and ceasing official interactions with the Taiwan region.
“China will closely follow the developments and take resolute and strong measures to defend our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the spokesperson added.
On the same day, the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated China’s stance on the Taiwan question. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the office, emphasized that China’s position is “consistent and clear,” stating, “We firmly oppose any form of official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan and firmly oppose any trip by the leader of the Taiwan authorities to the U.S. in any name or under whatever pretext.”
Chen criticized Lai’s authorities for adhering to a “Taiwan independence” stance, alleging that they continuously provoke and incite cross-strait confrontation, which gravely threatens peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and jeopardizes the security and well-being of Taiwan residents.
“No matter what tricks Lai’s administration uses to seek ‘Taiwan independence,’ it cannot change the international community’s basic pattern of adhering to the one-China principle, and it will not be able to stop the historical trend of the eventual reunification of China,” Chen stressed.
He urged the U.S. to fully recognize the separatist nature of Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities and to exercise caution on the Taiwan question.
Reference(s):
China strongly condemns U.S. arranging for Lai Ching-te's 'stopover'
cgtn.com
