This week US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss have both aired comments supporting sending weapons to Taiwan. This has led to condemnation from Beijing, who have pointed out that such talk fuels separatism on the highly disputed island and is contrary to their nation’s recognition of China.
Xie Yongjun, head of the information department at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted, “we deplore and reject Secretary Blinken’s statement at a congressional hearing on April 26 that the administration is determined to make sure that Taiwan has all necessary means to defend itself against any potential aggression,” in reference to Blinken’s statement.
Earlier in the week, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters that US statements to arm Taiwan clash with their recognition of Beijing’s One China policy and encourage Taiwanese separatists. Wang stated that “the US admits that Taiwan is part of China, but keeps talking about the mainland’s potential ‘aggression’ of Taiwan. Isn’t this self-contradictory since a country can not ‘invade’ part of its own territory?.”
He added that “we have this stern warning for the US side: The historical trend of China’s reunification cannot be held back, and the one-China principle is what underpins peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.” Also warning
Washington to “not underestimate the strong resolve, determination, and capability of the 1.4 billion Chinese people in defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity” or risk bringing “unbearable cost to the US itself.”
Want also addressed a speech by British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, where she suggests a “global NATO” could engage in the “Indo-Pacific” and arm Taiwan similarly to how the UK and its allies have armed Ukraine.
Speaking with reporters Wang said “NATO claims to be a defensive organization, but in fact, it is constantly creating confrontation and disturbances,” “NATO demands that other countries abide by the basic norms of international relations, yet has wantonly waged wars and dropped bombs in sovereign states, killing and displacing innocent civilians.”
He added that “the impact of NATO’s eastward expansion on the long-term peace and stability of Europe is worth reflecting upon. NATO has messed up Europe. Is it now trying to mess up the Asia-Pacific and even the world?.”
