China reacts to US congratulatory message following Taiwan elections

China has reacted to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issuing a congratulatory message following the presidential and parliamentary elections held in Taiwan.

In a written statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stated that the US State Department's statement violated the "one China" principle and was contrary to Washington's commitment to "maintaining only cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan."

The Ministry, which argued that the statement sent a wrong message to separatists advocating for "Taiwan's independence," condemned the US and announced that it had also lodged a protest through diplomatic channels.

"CHINA OPPOSES US INTERFERENCE IN TAIWAN'S AFFAIRS"

The statement, which noted that the Taiwan issue is at the core of China's interests and is the "first red line that must not be crossed" in China-US relations, stated the following:

"The one China principle is a basic norm of international relations, a prevailing consensus of the international community, and the political foundation of China-US relations. China opposes the US establishing official relations with Taiwan in any form or under any pretext, and opposes US interference in Taiwan's affairs. We urge the US to stop establishing official relations with Taiwan and to stop sending wrong messages to separatist forces advocating for 'Taiwan's independence'."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a statement released after the election, congratulated Lai on his election victory and commended the people of Taiwan for "demonstrating the strength of their robust democratic system and electoral process."

On the other hand, congratulatory messages issued by US-allied countries, including the United Kingdom, the European Union (EU), and Japan, were also protested by China's embassies and representative offices in the respective countries and organizations.

US DELEGATION TO TAIWAN

Following the presidential and parliamentary elections held on January 13 in Taiwan, which is in a sovereignty dispute with China, a delegation including former senior US government officials visited the island.

According to the report by the Taiwanese agency CNA, former US National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, former Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, and Laura Rosenberger, Chair of the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as the de facto US representative office on the island, arrived in Taiwan in the evening.

In a statement from the Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stated that the delegation would hold meetings with Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen as well as other senior government officials and political leaders during their three-day visit.

In a statement from the American Institute in Taiwan, it was noted that the two former senior officials were "visiting Taiwan in their private capacity at the request of the US government."

WHAT HAPPENED?

The presidential election held in Taiwan on January 13 was won by Lai Ching-te, the candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the incumbent Vice President.

Taiwan, which China claims as part of its own territory, has had de facto independence since 1949. The separation and sovereignty dispute that emerged after the civil war between mainland China and Taiwan continues to this day.

The Beijing administration, emphasizing the "one China" principle, opposes Taiwan establishing independent diplomatic relations with countries around the world and being represented in the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations, and requires countries that recognize it to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

News Source: AA