China’s accusation that the US Department of State is backpedaling on Taiwan issues is just “replaying the same old tune,” as US-Taiwan relations are built on shared values and beliefs, as well as mutual trust and close cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said yesterday.
The State Department last week updated its online bilateral relations fact sheet on “US Relations With Taiwan,” dropping the phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence” and stating that the US “will continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including membership where applicable.”
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Guo Jiakun (郭嘉昆) on Monday said the update has “gravely backpedaled on its position on Taiwan-related issues” and that it “sends a seriously wrong signal to the separatist forces for Taiwan independence.”
Photo: Huang Chin-hsuan, Taipei Times
China “urges the US to immediately correct its wrongdoings” and “stop upgrading its substantive relations with Taiwan, stop helping Taiwan expand so-called international space, stop emboldening and supporting Taiwan independence and avoid further severe damage to China-US relations,” Guo said.
MOFA spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) yesterday said it had noticed that the department had updated its factsheet.
The content was positive and friendly, reflecting the close partnership between the US and Taiwan, Hsiao said.
The State Department reaffirmed that “Taiwan is a highly advanced economy and a key link in global technology” and “has become an important US partner in trade and investment, semiconductors and other critical supply chains, investment screening, science and technology, health, education and advancing democratic values,” he added.
MOFA appreciates the updated content, which demonstrates the US’ support and positive stance, and thanks the administration of US President Donald Trump for abiding by the Taiwan Relations Act and the “six assurances,” as well as placing importance on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, US-Taiwan economic and trade relations, and Taiwan’s international space, he said.
“Taiwan-US relations are built on shared values and beliefs, as well as mutual trust and close cooperation,” he said.
The Chinese foreign ministry’s remarks are only “replaying the same old tune,” Hsiao said, brushing off Guo’s claims that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.”
“Any claims that distort the sovereign status of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will not change the objective status quo across the Taiwan Strait, which is a fact commonly recognized by the international community,” he added.
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