China News Service, Beijing, March 1 (Reporter Huang Yuqin) Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin hosted a regular press conference on March 1.
A reporter asked: According to reports, an anonymous senior US official said on February 28 that President Biden assigned five former senior US officials to visit Taiwan on March 1, during which they will meet with Tsai Ing-wen and others.
The purpose of this visit is to demonstrate the strong US support for Taiwan.
What is China's comment?
Wang Wenbin: The Chinese people's determination and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity are firm.
It is futile for the US to send anyone to show so-called support for Taiwan.
China urges the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, stop any form of official exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan, and handle Taiwan-related issues prudently, so as not to further seriously damage the overall situation of China-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Another reporter asked: Recently, the guided-missile destroyer USS Johnson of the US Navy passed through the Taiwan Strait and made public hype about it.
What is the spokesperson's comment on this?
Wang Wenbin: I have noticed that the spokesperson of the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army has made remarks on this.
The U.S. is hyping up U.S. ships to sail through the Taiwan Strait. What is its intention?
If the U.S. wants to use this to support the "Taiwan independence" elements, we have to tell the U.S. that this will only accelerate the demise of the "Taiwan independence" forces, and the U.S. will pay a heavy price for its risky actions.
If the U.S. tries to intimidate and put pressure on China, we must warn the U.S. that in the face of the Great Wall of Steel composed of 1.4 billion Chinese people, any military deterrence is like scrap iron.
The trick of US ships passing through the Taiwan Strait should be left to those who believe in hegemony.
(over)