The flags of Chinese Taipei and the US are placed for a meeting in Taipei, on March 27, 2018. (Photo by Reuters)
China has once again warned the United States over issues related to Chinese Taipei, stressing that there is no room for compromise over the self-governed island and that Washington should not have any illusions about it.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday when asked to comment on the future of Sino-US military ties following the recent virtual meeting between the presidents of the two countries.
Having a healthy and stable relationship is good for both countries, Wu said, adding that Beijing is willing to maintain exchanges and cooperation with Washington.
However, he said, the US had of late made a series of "provocations" on several issues, including Taipei, the South China Sea, and "close up reconnaissance by warships and aircraft."
Wu said China had principles for the development of relations between the two militaries, including that its sovereignty, dignity, and core interests cannot be violated.
"Especially on the Taiwan issue, China has no room for compromise, and the US side should not have any illusions about this," he said.
Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a summit amid heightened tensions between the two economic giants, during which sharp differences persisted over Taipei.
Xi warned Biden that US support for Taiwanese independence was like "playing with fire... and those who play with fire will get burned."
Biden underscored that the United States remained committed to the "One China" policy, but said it "strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."
China has sovereignty over Chinese Taipei, and under the "One China" policy, almost all world countries recognize that sovereignty. The US, too, recognizes Chinese sovereignty over the island but has long courted Taipei in an attempt to unnerve Beijing.
Tensions between Chinese Taipei, China, and the US have been at their highest in decades.
China has been flying fighter jets close to Chinese Taipei while the US has reportedly had troops deployed in the territory for the past year for alleged training purposes.
Last month, Biden said the United States would come to Taipeis aid if it were to come under attack from China, claiming it had a commitment to defend the self-ruled island.
China blasted the statement, accusing Washington of meddling in Chinese internal affairs.
The United States, which backs Taipeis secessionist president, also continues to sell weapons to the island in defiance of Beijing and in violation of its own official policy.
LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/24224
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