China rejects U.S. military interactions with Taiwan region

China urged the United States on Monday to cease military interactions with the Taiwan region and refrain from actions that will jeopardize peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The call came after reports that the U.S. will accelerate arms shipments to the region.

Speaking at a daily news briefing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated China's firm opposition to military contacts and arms sales between the U.S. and the Taiwan region.

Emphasizing that the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests and represents the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations, Mao urged the U.S. to adhere to the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, and stop creating factors that escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

In another development, Mao reiterated that the only reference to the Taiwan region in the UN is "Taiwan, province of China", vowing that China will take all necessary measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mao said that in 1971, the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 stated that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is not a country but a part of China, and that China has only one seat in the United Nations, with the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative.

To adhere to this resolution, the UN and its special agencies refer to Taiwan as "Taiwan, province of China," Mao said.

The Office of Legal Affairs of the UN Secretariat clearly states that Taiwan, as a province of China, has no separate status, she added.

Noting the country's clear and consistent stance on the Taiwan question, Mao said China steadfastly upholds the one-China principle and the "1992 Consensus," and is willing to make the utmost effort with the greatest sincerity to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification.

At the same time, China will take all necessary measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, resolutely opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, she added.