China condemns US overtures toward Taiwan

Beijing on Friday urged Washington to stop any official contact with Taiwan and handle issues involving the Taiwan question in a prudent and appropriate manner.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks at a press briefing after reports quoted US Department of State spokesman Ned Price as saying the United States was committed to deepening ties with Taiwan and would consider opportunities for senior officials' mutual visits that advance bilateral relations.

Hua said the Chinese side had noticed there were a lot of abnormal interactions between the US and Taiwan in recent times, including the US ambassador to Palau joining the Palau president's delegation in its visit to Taiwan.

"In terms of aforementioned actions, does the US really care for the Taiwan people, or use Taiwan as a pawn to contain China?" Hua asked, adding she believed everyone could see the intentions of the US clearly.

"China's position on Taiwan question is clear and consistent," she pointed out.

It is universally recognized by the international community there is only one China, of which Taiwan is an inalienable part, the spokesperson said, adding the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole nation.

"The Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue in Sino-US relations," she stressed, saying as the political foundation of bilateral relations, the one-China principle is a red line that mustn't be crossed.

Hua urged the US side to fully understand the high sensitivity of the Taiwan question and abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiques.

The incumbent US administration should break from the dangerous actions of its former government, such as crossing red lines and playing with fire, she added.

She also called for the US not to send any wrong signals to separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence", so as to avoid severely damaging Sino-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.