China has issued a stern warning to the United States regarding its support for Taiwan, as Beijing continues to assert its claim over the island. In a recent op-ed published by the Chinese state-run news outlet Global Times, concerns were raised about Taiwanese troops participating in U.S. military exercises held in Michigan last month. The article underscored China’s position, stating, “The Chinese mainland has never promised to renounce the use of force, and this is a constant threat hanging over the U.S. government and Taiwan authorities.”
The Global Times op-ed also criticized the U.S. for consistently arming Taiwan by supplying a significant amount of weapons and equipment, as well as encouraging Taiwan to resist reunification through force. Such actions were viewed as intended to stoke tensions in the Taiwan Strait, inevitably escalating the conflict between China and the U.S., potentially leading to a full-blown confrontation.
These comments from the Global Times come at a time when tensions between the U.S. and China regarding Taiwan are already running high. China regards Taiwan as its rightful territory, while the U.S. maintains an “unofficial relationship” with Taiwan while supporting the One China policy. Just last month, it was reported that the U.S. had approved an $80 million military transfer to Taiwan.
Initial reports about Taiwanese soldiers participating in military exercises in Michigan came from NHK Japan, citing anonymous sources. However, when approached for verification, the Michigan National Guard referred inquiries to a statement by a Department of Defense spokesperson who could neither confirm nor deny the NHK Japan report.
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The Department of Defense spokesperson reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to Taiwan’s defense, emphasizing its alignment against the current threat posed by the People’s Republic of China. The spokesperson clarified, “Our commitment to Taiwan is rock-solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region.”
In response to the U.S.’s continued military assistance to Taiwan, the Global Times published a similar op-ed last week, expressing China’s strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition. It warned that China’s response to the ongoing provocations by the U.S. regarding Taiwan would not be limited to mere statements and hinted at potential consequences.
Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, also criticized the U.S. for providing weapons to Taiwan, stating that it violated the one-China principle and the agreements outlined in the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, particularly the August 17 Communiqué of 1982.
This latest development follows the White House’s announcement in July of additional military aid to Taiwan amounting to $345 million. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense expressed gratitude for the U.S.’s steadfast commitment to its security. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized the seriousness with which the U.S. approaches its responsibilities to Taiwan, particularly in improving its self-defense capabilities.
