China Slams US "Serious Interference" in Taiwan Relations
BEIJING – China has lashed out at the United States, accusing it of "seriously interfering" in its relations with Taiwan, in the latest tense diplomatic row between the two countries.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Monday condemning what it called "irresponsible" remarks made by a senior US official on Taiwan, which Beijing considers a part of its territory.
The latest incident appears to be a reference to comments made by US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Robert Lighthizer, who spoke about strengthening US-Taiwan security and economic ties last week.
"We are concerned about the Chinese military build-up and the potential threat it poses to Taiwan, and we have an interest in seeing that Taiwan is not bullied by China," Lighthizer said, according to a Reuters report.
China’s Foreign Ministry hit back, stating that "recent ridiculous and reckless remarks" by the US official had "seriously damaged" relations between the two countries.
"China urges the US to correct its mistake and stop making unreasonable remarks about Taiwan," the statement read. "China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and any external interference will be met with strong opposition."
The latest spat comes at a time when tensions between the US and China are already high, with the two countries engaged in a trade war and a diplomatic standoff over issues ranging from human rights to territorial disputes.
The US has long had a "one China" policy, under which it does not recognize Beijing’s claim to Taiwan, and maintains close ties with the island. China, however, sees Taiwan as a breakaway province and has threatened to use military force to reunify the two sides if necessary.
The US has also been providing Taiwan with military aid and backing its participation in international organizations, which China sees as a challenge to its authority.
Monday’s statement from Beijing said that "China will not be intimidated or swayed by external forces" and warned that it would "take all necessary measures" to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The US has not publicly responded to China’s comments, but it is clear that the diplomatic standoff between the two countries is likely to continue in the coming days.
