China reacts to US visit to Taiwan — RT World News
A US delegation led by a leading critic of Beijing traveled to the island to confirm US support
China urged the United States to stop all this “confusion” in Taiwan affairs after a group of US lawmakers met with local leader Tsai Ing-wen.
In response to a question about the visit of five US representatives on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning urged Washington to look into the matter. “The extreme complexity and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue.”
“China opposes any form of official interaction between US authorities and Taiwan and rejects US interference in Taiwan affairs in any form or under any pretext.” She said, calling on American officials and lawmakers to… “Stop official contacts with Taiwan and stop sending any wrong signal to the separatist forces for Taiwan independence.”
The delegation, led by Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher — a key Beijing hawk and chairman of the House Select Committee on China — sat down with Tsai and other senior officials later on Thursday, and further meetings are scheduled over the weekend.
“The United States, Democrats and Republicans, stands with Taiwan for your freedom and for our freedom.” Gallagher said at a press conference. Tsai responded that Taipei would do so “Continue strengthening our international partnerships and engagement with the world.”
The lawmakers' visit came as tensions escalated between the island and Beijing. Last week, a Taiwan Coast Guard ship chased the speedboat of a couple of mainland fishermen, accused of trespassing. The smaller boat capsized during the chase and the two men drowned, and Chinese officials said it was used by Taiwan “Violent and dangerous methods”
Beijing considers self-governing Taiwan part of sovereign Chinese territory and has repeatedly warned against any attempt to formally declare independence. Although the island has governed itself since 1949, the vast majority of countries, including the United States, do not recognize it as an independent country.
However, Washington has maintained informal diplomatic and security ties with Taipei and approved a wave of military sales worth billions in recent years, repeatedly angering China. Earlier this week, the US State Department approved a $75 million deal for advanced communications and logistics equipment, sparking negative reaction.
The proposed transfer threatens to “Undermining China’s sovereignty and security interests” will “Harms China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.” Ming told reporters.
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