Congressman's visit sends 'wrong' signal

China has warned that the planned visit of US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul to Taiwan later this month will "send a significantly wrong signal" to the separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence".

"The US side must be fully responsible for the consequences "if it persists in doing so, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a daily news conference in Beijing on Thursday.

Following the inauguration of Taiwan's new administrative head Lai Ching-te on Monday, McCaul said on Tuesday that he will lead a US delegation to Taiwan at the end of the month, claiming that "Taiwan is our dearest friend and partner and ally".

In response, Wang underlined the fact that the US Congress is an integral part of the United States government and should strictly abide by the one-China policy pursued by the US.

"A visit to Taiwan by members of Congress will constitute a serious violation of the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, interference in China's internal affairs, and jeopardize China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

Also on Thursday, Beijing slammed Tokyo's latest comments regarding the Taiwan question.

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao warned on Monday that the Japanese people will be dragged into the fire if Japan takes part in seeking Taiwan's secession from China.

Yet, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Wednesday that Japan has lodged a protest against the Chinese ambassador's "extremely inappropriate "comments about Taiwan.

When asked about Hayashi's comment, Wang said Wu's remarks "are based on facts, righteousness and seriousness, and are entirely justified and necessary".

"No one should underestimate the great determination, firm will and strong capability of the Chinese people to safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.

"Anyone who persists in interfering in China's domestic affairs and obstructing China's reunification will surely pay a heavy price."