Anger voiced by China after US House speaker meets with Taiwan leader
Following the high-level meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen and Speaker of the US House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, China has vowed to protect its sovereignty.
According to Xinhua news agency, China’s foreign ministry condemned the meeting in California and referred to it as “acts of collusion”. The spokesperson also stated that China would take effective measures to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to the “seriously erroneous acts” of cooperation between the US and Taiwan.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s hosting of Taiwan’s leader on US soil was perceived as an affront by China. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress issued a separate statement that McCarthy’s actions had contravened America’s commitment to China in regards to the Taiwan question.
China and Taiwan have conflicting views on the latter’s sovereignty, with the former claiming the democratic government of Taiwan as its own territory. Washington had transferred its diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taiwan in 1979.
The US meeting with Taiwan’s leader is seen as a departure from the pre-existing policy of not engaging formally with the island to avoid straining its relations with China.
The United States recently met with Taiwan’s leader in a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy. The meeting is seen as a departure from the pre-existing policy of not engaging formally with the island to avoid straining its relations with China.
China and Taiwan have long had conflicting views on the latter’s sovereignty, with China claiming the democratic government of Taiwan as its own territory. Washington had transferred its diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taiwan in 1979, recognizing the “One China” policy.
The meeting between US officials and Taiwan’s leader, Tsai Ing-wen, took place on Thursday, June 3, 2021. According to a statement by the US State Department, the meeting was “to discuss regional security, stability, and prosperity, and other issues of mutual interest.”
The meeting has drawn criticism from China, with a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling on the US to “stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan.” The spokesperson added that China would take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests.
For its part, the US has defended the meeting, saying that it is consistent with its longstanding policy of supporting Taiwan’s democracy and security. The US State Department said in a statement that the meeting “reinforces the United States’ strong and ongoing support for Taiwan’s international space.”
The meeting has also been hailed by supporters of Taiwan’s independence movement, who see it as a sign of US support for their cause. However, critics warn that the meeting could further complicate US-China relations, which have already been strained by issues such as trade, human rights, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, with China increasing its military activity near Taiwan in recent months. Taiwan has responded by strengthening its own military defenses and seeking closer ties with the US and other allies.
The US has long been a key ally of Taiwan, providing military and economic support to the island nation. However, the US has also sought to maintain good relations with China, which is a major economic and strategic partner.
The meeting between US officials and Taiwan’s leader is likely to be viewed as a significant development by all parties involved. It remains to be seen how China will respond, and whether the US will continue to engage with Taiwan in a more formal way going forward.
Jowhar
