In an interview with Chinese state-owned broadcaster and news agency Xinhua on Thursday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi slammed the United States (US) for provoking China through its continued support of Taiwan. Beijing claims that Taiwan is part of its territory and has even vowed to seize the island by force if necessary, raising concerns in both Taipei and Washington.
During the interview, Wang accused the US of breaking promises made to China at the time of their first diplomatic contact. He said the US had “condoned and encouraged ‘Taiwan independence’ forces” in an attempt to “distort and hollow out the one-China principle.” “This will not only bring Taiwan into an extremely dangerous situation, but also cause the US to face an unbearable price,” Wang warned.
Although the US does not recognise Taiwan’s independence under the Taiwan Act, it continues to support the island nation through military support and regular diplomatic engagement. Beijing considers any declaration of Taiwanese independence as a major provocation and an interference in the internal politics of the Chinese state. To this end, Wang asserted, “Taiwan has no other way forward other than reunification with the mainland.”
In its final press conference of the year on Thursday, China’s Defence Ministry raised concerns over US military movement near Chinese maritime borders and the perception of China’s military among American lawmakers. Ministry spokesperson Colonel Tan Kefei argued that Washington’s “hostile” naval and air force operations bring down China-US maritime relations. Last month, Beijing slammed the US Navy for destabilising regional peace after the USS Milius, a guided-missile destroyer, transited through the Taiwan Strait.
Relations between the US and China have deteriorated significantly over the last few months. The inclusion of Taiwan in President Biden’s flagship ‘Summit on Democracy’ angered China which was left out. Moreover, last week, Biden signed into law the $770 billion annual National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), which includes $7.1 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative as a part of Washington’s commitment to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and an effort to counter China in the region. There are also suggestions that Taiwan may soon be invited to participate in the Rim of the Pacific naval exercises, the world’s largest international maritime warfare drills.