The Chinese government has reiterated its stance against U.S. interference in Taiwan affairs, urging Washington to stop sending wrong signals to separatist forces seeking Taiwan independence. This call comes ahead of the inauguration of Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s new leader. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made clear China’s firm opposition to any form of official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to correct its actions immediately.
Chen Binhua’s remarks reflect China’s consistent position on Taiwan, which it views as an inseparable part of its territory. The spokesperson condemned the interference of external forces in Taiwan affairs and warned that such actions would not halt China’s reunification process. Chen emphasized that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities’ attempts to seek foreign support for independence were futile and counterproductive.
On Wednesday, Zhu Fenglian, another spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, reiterated this stance, urging the United States to adhere to the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques. Zhu criticized recent statements by Laura Rosenberger, chair of the board of trustees of the American Institute in Taiwan, highlighting that the U.S. “Taiwan Relations Act” and “Six Assurances” violate the one-China principle and interfere in China’s internal affairs.
The Central Military Commission (CMC) and Ministry of National Defense have also condemned the U.S. for its actions regarding Taiwan. They accused the U.S. of sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces and urged it to cease its provocations. The Office for International Military Cooperation of the CMC communicated these concerns to the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense in a recent video call, stressing that the military collusion between the U.S. and Taiwan is a primary source of instability in the Taiwan Straits.
The Ministry of National Defense has also responded to the recent transit of the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey through the Taiwan Straits and its incursion into the territorial waters of China’s Xisha Islands. Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang described these actions as deliberate provocations that threaten China’s sovereignty and security. He warned that such actions damage regional peace and stability and are not conducive to maintaining stable China-U.S. relations. Zhang emphasized that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army would remain on high alert and take resolute countermeasures against any infringement or provocation.
Additionally, the DPP authorities’ efforts to increase the number of military attachés at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu have drawn criticism from China. Zhang Xiaogang condemned these actions, asserting that they are doomed to fail. He called on the U.S. to recognize the extreme sensitivity of the Taiwan question and to stop all forms of official interactions and military contact with Taiwan.
Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, noted that China’s statements serve as a strong warning to the U.S. not to interfere in the Taiwan question. He emphasized that adhering to the one-China principle is crucial for the stability of China-U.S. relations. Li pointed out that recent U.S. actions have once again exposed its hypocrisy and double standards, and that China must urgently remind the U.S. not to be a protector of Taiwan independence forces.
The Chinese government’s consistent and firm opposition to U.S. interference in Taiwan affairs is rooted in its commitment to national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China has repeatedly called on the U.S. to honor its commitments and cease its provocative actions. The one-China principle is the political foundation for China-U.S. diplomatic relations, and any violation of this principle is seen as a threat to China’s core interests.
As Lai Ching-te prepares to take office, China remains vigilant and resolute in its stance against Taiwan independence. The Chinese government’s warnings to the U.S. serve as a reminder of the sensitivity of the Taiwan question and the potential consequences of continued interference. China’s determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unwavering, and it will take all necessary measures to counter any threats to its national interests.
In the context of the broader China-U.S. relationship, the Taiwan question is a critical issue that has the potential to escalate tensions between the two countries. The U.S. has been urged to respect China’s core interests and to avoid actions that could destabilize the region. The ongoing military and political dynamics in the Taiwan Straits are a reflection of the broader geopolitical tensions between China and the U.S., and the actions of both countries will continue to be closely watched by the international community.
The situation in the Taiwan Straits is further complicated by the presence of U.S. military forces in the region and the ongoing support for Taiwan from various U.S. political and military figures. The Chinese government views these actions as direct challenges to its sovereignty and has repeatedly called for an end to U.S. military presence and support for Taiwan. The U.S., on the other hand, maintains that its actions are in line with its commitments to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
The Chinese government has also highlighted the role of the DPP in escalating tensions in the Taiwan Straits. The DPP’s pursuit of foreign support for Taiwan independence is seen as a provocative act that undermines regional stability. China’s response to these actions has been to strengthen its military presence in the region and to issue strong warnings to both the U.S. and Taiwan.
The current situation in the Taiwan Straits is a reflection of the broader strategic competition between China and the U.S. The Taiwan question is a key flashpoint in this competition, and the actions of both countries will have significant implications for regional and global stability. The Chinese government’s warnings to the U.S. and its commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity are clear indicators of its determination to address this issue on its terms.
As the inauguration of Lai Ching-te approaches, the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation in the Taiwan Straits develops. The potential for increased tensions and conflict remains high, and the actions of both China and the U.S. will play a critical role in shaping the future of the region. The Chinese government’s firm stance on the Taiwan question and its calls for the U.S. to honor its commitments are likely to continue to be key elements of its foreign policy strategy in the coming months.
In conclusion, the Chinese government’s repeated calls for the U.S. to stop sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces and to adhere to the one-China principle are indicative of its strong commitment to defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Straits are a reflection of the broader strategic competition between China and the U.S., and the actions of both countries will continue to be closely watched by the international community. The Chinese government’s warnings and its firm stance on the Taiwan question serve as a reminder of the sensitivity of this issue and the potential consequences of continued interference. As the situation develops, the importance of adhering to the one-China principle and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions will remain a critical factor in maintaining regional and global stability.
APPENDIX 1 – Because China and Taiwan are in conflict?
The China-Taiwan issue is a complex and long-standing geopolitical conflict rooted in historical, political, and cultural factors. To explain this in a very detailed yet easy-to-understand manner, let’s break it down into several key points:
Historical Background
- Ancient Times: Taiwan has been inhabited for thousands of years by various indigenous groups. Chinese influence on Taiwan dates back to the early Han Dynasty (around 200 BC), but it wasn’t until the 17th century that significant Chinese immigration occurred.
- Colonial Era: In the 17th century, the Dutch and Spanish briefly controlled parts of Taiwan. The Ming loyalist Koxinga expelled the Dutch in 1662 and established a base on the island.
- Qing Dynasty: The Qing Dynasty of China officially annexed Taiwan in 1683. Taiwan remained under Qing rule until 1895.
- Japanese Rule: After losing the First Sino-Japanese War, China ceded Taiwan to Japan in 1895. Taiwan was under Japanese control until the end of World War II in 1945.
- Post-War Period: After Japan’s defeat in WWII, Taiwan was returned to Chinese control. The Chinese Civil War (1945-1949) resulted in the communist forces, led by Mao Zedong, defeating the Nationalist forces, led by Chiang Kai-shek. The Nationalists retreated to Taiwan and established the Republic of China (ROC) government there.
The Political Divide
- People’s Republic of China (PRC): Founded in 1949 by the Communist Party of China, the PRC governs mainland China and views itself as the sole legitimate government of all China, including Taiwan.
- Republic of China (ROC): The ROC government, which retreated to Taiwan in 1949, continues to govern Taiwan and its surrounding islands. The ROC initially claimed to be the legitimate government of all China, but over time, its stance has shifted more towards maintaining control over Taiwan and promoting its de facto independence.
One-China Policy
- PRC’s Stance: The PRC insists on the “One-China Principle,” which asserts that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of it. The PRC has consistently opposed any form of Taiwanese independence and has sought to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.
- International Recognition: Most countries in the world, including the United States, adhere to a version of the One-China Policy. They officially recognize the PRC as the legitimate government of China while maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan.
- Taiwan’s Status: Taiwan operates as a separate political entity with its own government, military, and constitution. However, it is not widely recognized as an independent country due to pressure from the PRC.
Key Issues
- Sovereignty: The core issue is whether Taiwan should be considered a sovereign state or a part of China. The PRC views Taiwan as a breakaway province, while many in Taiwan see themselves as a separate nation.
- International Relations: Taiwan seeks to participate in international organizations and establish diplomatic relations with other countries. However, China’s influence often prevents this, limiting Taiwan’s international presence.
- Military Tensions: The PRC has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification with Taiwan. The presence of U.S. military support for Taiwan complicates this issue, leading to a tense military standoff in the Taiwan Strait.
- Economic Ties: Despite political tensions, Taiwan and China have strong economic ties. Many Taiwanese businesses operate in China, and there is significant trade and investment between the two.
Recent Developments
- U.S. Involvement: The United States has a complex relationship with Taiwan. It adheres to the One-China Policy but also provides Taiwan with defensive arms under the Taiwan Relations Act. Recent U.S. actions, such as high-level visits and military sales, have angered China.
- Taiwanese Politics: Taiwan’s internal politics also play a crucial role. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) generally supports maintaining the status quo or moving towards greater independence, while the Kuomintang (KMT) favors closer ties with China.
- Chinese Pressure: China continues to pressure other countries and international organizations to not recognize or engage with Taiwan. It also conducts military exercises near Taiwan as a show of strength.
Potential Outcomes
- Peaceful Reunification: The PRC hopes for peaceful reunification, possibly under a “one country, two systems” framework similar to Hong Kong, though this model is unpopular in Taiwan.
- Independence: Some in Taiwan advocate for formal independence, though this is a highly contentious and risky move due to the potential for military conflict with China.
- Status Quo: Maintaining the current situation, where Taiwan operates as a de facto independent state without formal international recognition, is seen by many as the most stable option for now.
In conclusion, the China-Taiwan issue is deeply rooted in history and involves complex political, military, and international dimensions. It remains one of the most sensitive and potentially explosive geopolitical issues in the world today.
