China’s Ministry of National Defence has strongly urged the United States to halt all forms of official engagement and military cooperation with Taiwan, warning that such actions violate the one-China principle and risk escalating tensions in the region.
Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks during a regular press briefing on Friday in response to reports that the chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee may soon lead a congressional delegation to Taiwan. If confirmed, it would mark the first such visit by a senator in this position since 2016.
Call to Respect the One-China Principle
Jiang reiterated that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory. He called on Washington to abide by the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, and to honour its commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence.”
He also urged the U.S. to stop backing or encouraging separatist elements in Taiwan, stressing that such actions undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Criticism of Taiwan’s Leadership
Commenting on Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s pledge to increase military spending, Jiang accused Lai’s administration of jeopardising the well-being of Taiwan’s people by channelling public funds into arms deals with the United States. He said such moves serve only to advance secessionist agendas while “selling out the interests of Taiwan” in exchange for U.S. political support.
PLA’s Readiness to Respond
Jiang emphasised that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) remains on high alert and stands ready to take “resolute measures” to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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