The Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed strong opposition to the recent visit of US lawmakers to Taiwan, emphasising that Beijing opposes any military contact between the US and Taiwan and any attempts to arm the island.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated during a press conference that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and any actions by the US that undermine this stance are unacceptable.
The visit by US lawmakers comes shortly after China conducted extensive military drills near Taiwan. Mao Ning reiterated China's position, urging US Congress members to cease using the "Taiwan card," stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and halt support for "Taiwan independence" forces. She emphasised that these actions jeopardise China-US relations and cross-Strait peace and stability.
Mao Ning also pointed out that US lawmakers' support for Taiwan's defence violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques.
She stressed that such actions contradict the US government's commitment to maintaining only unofficial relations with Taiwan and send a misleading signal to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan's independence.
China's response included serious protests to the US, with Mao Ning asserting that China would take necessary measures to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese Foreign Ministry's statements reflect Beijing's firm stance against any form of military engagement between the US and Taiwan.
The visit by US senators to Taiwan included promises to bolster Taiwan's defence capabilities against China. This visit follows significant military drills by China, which were the largest in over a year and took place just days after Taiwan inaugurated its new president, Lai Ching-te, known for advocating Taiwan's sovereignty.
US Representative Michael McCaul, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned China's military exercises as intimidation tactics against democracy.
He assured that the US would expedite the delivery of defensive weapons to Taiwan. McCaul emphasised the importance of ensuring Taiwan receives the military support it has purchased from the US promptly.
The US maintains robust but unofficial relations with Taiwan, with a legal obligation to provide the island with defensive weapons. Despite China's threats to use force to claim Taiwan, the US continues to support Taiwan's self-defence capabilities, reaffirming its commitment to the island's security amidst rising tensions with Beijing.
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