BEIJING, China: China expressed strong discontent on Tuesday over U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s congratulatory message to Taiwan’s newly inaugurated president, Lai Ching-te.
Lai, labeled a “dangerous separatist” by Beijing in the past, was sworn in on Monday. Blinken’s message emphasized Washington’s commitment to maintaining “peace and stability across the region,” which Beijing claims is a violation of the One China principle, sending “a wrong signal to separatist forces.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin conveyed China’s strong dissatisfaction and opposition, stating, “The Taiwan issue is the core of China’s core interests and the first insurmountable red line in relations between China and the United States.”
He urged the U.S. to correct its stance immediately, reinforcing Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, with the possibility of forceful reunification not ruled out.
Washington, despite shifting its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, remains Taiwan’s most significant partner and primary arms supplier.
The U.S. has maintained informal relations with Taiwan and continues to support its self-defense capabilities. Blinken’s statement coincided with China’s announcement of sanctions on three U.S. defense companies for arms sales to Taiwan.
In addition to Blinken’s message, U.S. President Joe Biden sent a delegation to Taiwan’s inauguration, including former National Economic Council director Brian Deese and former deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage. More than 40 other countries, including Japan and Canada, also sent delegations, with eight heads of state who recognize Taiwan in attendance.
China condemned the presence of these delegations, describing it as “crude interference in China’s internal affairs” and a threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Wang demanded that the involved countries and politicians cease their political manipulation regarding Taiwan and halt actions contrary to international goodwill.
This latest diplomatic friction highlights the ongoing tensions between China and the U.S. over Taiwan, as Beijing continues to assert its sovereignty claims over the island while the U.S. and its allies show support for Taiwan’s democratic government and its right to self-determination.
