US criticized for attending Taiwan event

A Chinese mainland spokesman condemned the United States and a few other nations on Monday for sending representatives to what was called the inauguration ceremony of Taiwan's new leader, Lai Ching-te, and for extending congratulations to him.

Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, reiterated the mainland's stance, that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an integral part of China and cannot be separated.

The one-China principle is a fundamental norm in international relations and a widely recognized consensus in the international community, upheld and adhered to by the vast majority of countries worldwide, Chen said.

He strongly condemned any form of interference in Taiwan affairs by other countries and urged them to immediately correct their actions and abide by the one-China principle and the solemn political commitments made to China.

The spokesman called on the US and relevant countries to handle the Taiwan question prudently and properly, and cease sending erroneous signals to separatist forces advocating for "Taiwan independence".

Chen said Lai Ching-te's party, the DPP, colluded with external forces to expand so-called "international space", running counter to the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, and posing a threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

He added that the acts of the DPP will never impede the historical trend of national reunification.

Zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn