China Warns US Against Supporting Taiwan

BEIJING – China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, issued a stern warning to the United States on Monday, urging Washington to respect the “one-China” principle and cease any actions that endorse Taiwanese independence.

Lin emphasized the unwavering nature of the “one-China” policy, a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy that views Taiwan as a breakaway province. He warned that “playing the Taiwan card” would lead to a dead end for those who support Taiwanese independence.

The comments come amid rising tensions between China and the US over Taiwan. The US, while adhering to the “one-China” policy, maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and supplies them with defensive weaponry. This has been a point of contention for China, which views US support for Taiwan as a threat to its territorial integrity.

Lin specifically called on the US to honor past commitments made by American leaders and to cease actions that suggest a separate Taiwanese state exists. He also urged Washington to stop crossing China’s “red lines” on the Taiwan issue.

The statement by Lin comes in response to earlier comments by US State Department China Coordinator Mark Lambert, who accused China of misusing a UN resolution regarding Taiwan’s representation in the international community. Lambert advocated for increased participation by Taiwan in international organizations.

Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, following the Chinese Civil War that saw the Nationalist forces retreat to the island. The island nation maintains its own government and military, though it is not officially recognized by most countries as an independent state.