US 'deterrence' strategy on Taiwan poses greater threat to peace

The United States has sold arms to Taiwan under various excuses in an attempt to maintain the so-called "deterrence capability", which will only pose a greater threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and bring harm to people on both sides, a Chinese mainland spokesman said on Wednesday.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks after American Institute in Taiwan Chairman James Moriarty claimed the US will have to bolster its "regional deterrence capability" as the situation across the Taiwan Straits becomes more uncertain.

Ma said the current complex situation in the Taiwan Straits is rooted in the fact that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party authorities of Taiwan and "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces have colluded with foreign forces to make provocations and seek independence.

He said safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the country's core interest and the common responsibility of all Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots.

"We have the right to take all necessary measures to stop 'Taiwan independence' if the secessionists dare to make provocations or take risks," he added.

The Taiwan question is an internal affair of China, which brooks no outside interference, Ma said, adding that "We firmly oppose the US playing the 'Taiwan card'".

He urged the US to abide by the one-China principle and relevant provisions of the three China-US joint communiques, prudently and properly handle the Taiwan question and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence".