China has vehemently condemned the United States for approving Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's recent stopover in Hawaii. A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced serious protests to the US, emphasizing China's firm stance against any official interactions between the US and the Taiwan region.
Lai's trip, which began with visits to diplomatic allies in the Pacific before arriving in Hawaii, has sparked significant backlash from Chinese authorities. The spokesperson stated, \"China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the U.S. and the Taiwan region, firmly opposes any trip by the leader of the Taiwan authorities to the U.S. in any name or under whatever pretext, and firmly opposes any form of U.S. connivance or support for 'Taiwan independence' separatists and their separatist activities.\"
The Chinese Foreign Ministry highlighted that the Taiwan question is central to China's core interests and remains a red line in Sino-US relations. They urged the US to adhere to its commitments, including not supporting \"Taiwan independence\" and halting official interactions with the Taiwan region.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, reiterated China's consistent position against official exchanges between the US and Taiwan. He criticized Lai's administration for persistently advocating for \"Taiwan independence,\" which he claims threatens peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and endangers the security of Taiwan residents.
Chen emphasized that despite any efforts by Lai's administration to seek \"Taiwan independence,\" the international community continues to support the one-China principle, and the historical trend towards eventual reunification of China remains unaltered. He called on the US to recognize the separatist nature of Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities and to exercise caution regarding the Taiwan question.
Reference(s):
China strongly condemns U.S. arranging for Lai Ching-te's 'stopover'
cgtn.com
