China declared itself on Monday 15 January “definite opposition” For any official exchange between the United States and Taiwan, the island’s president-elect, Lai Ching-tae, welcomed the American delegation following his election victory. “China has always strongly opposed any form of official exchange between the United States and Taiwan, and firmly rejects any interference by the United States in Taiwan’s affairs in any way or under any pretext.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference.
China considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and intends to reunify it by force if necessary. Beijing does not maintain diplomatic relations with countries that formally recognize Taiwan as an independent state.
Washington introduced the delegation to Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, as part of unofficial and general protocol. The delegation is composed of former National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, former Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, and Laura Rosenberger, president of the American Institute in Taiwan.
Taiwan accused China of “political repression”.
“We urge the United States to recognize the extreme complexity and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, to sincerely support the one-China principle. (…) and to reaffirm earlier statements by US leaders that they do not support Taiwan independence”.Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning declared.
Washington should “Respect its commitments on Taiwan, do not try to use the Taiwan question as a tool to contain China (…) And don’t send misleading signals to Taiwan separatist forces”she added.
Taiwanese voters gave pro-independence leader Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party a comfortable election victory on Saturday. A Chinese spokesman said on Monday that the vote was “Domestic Matters Related to China”.
Taiwanese authorities, for their part, blamed China “Diplomatic Repression” After the decision Nauru Island, a small Pacific nation, severed its ties with Taipei and now recognizes Beijing. “While the whole world congratulates Taiwan on its electoral success, Beijing has launched a diplomatic crackdown, a response to democratic values and a clear challenge to the stability of the international order”Olivia Lin, spokeswoman for Taiwan’s presidency, announced.
