China Condemns US Actions on Taiwan, Conducts Military Drill

China Condemns US Actions on Taiwan and Repatriation of Chinese Citizens

China has confirmed a military drill near the Taiwan Strait, calling it a response to external forces supporting "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. The exercise is believed to be related to the U.S. State Department's update on its Taiwan fact sheet, which removed previous wording stating it did not support "Taiwan independence".

China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, condemned the move as a significant regression in the U.S. stance on the Taiwan question. She described it as another attempt to "use Taiwan to contain China" and send a misleading signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Mao emphasized that "Taiwan independence" is incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait and a dead end. She warned that "using Taiwan to contain China" will ultimately backfire.

China considers the Taiwan question a core interest and the one-China principle the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. Mao urged the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques to prevent further damage to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and bilateral ties.

Separately, Mao condemned a joint statement and declaration on maritime security and prosperity by the Group of Seven foreign ministers, which raised concerns about China-related issues, including the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue. She dismissed these statements as distortions of the truth designed to slander and defame China.

Mao also condemned U.S. sanctions on Thai officials over the repatriation of 40 Chinese citizens. She called the U.S.' politicization of the repatriation a "typical example of double standards and suppression of dissent".

Mao emphasized that the U.S. has no right to interfere in the cooperation between China and Thailand in combating cross-border crimes such as illegal immigration. She stated that these actions were conducted in line with Chinese and Thai laws, international regulations, and established practices.

The Chinese government, she added, has the responsibility to protect its citizens and help them reunite with their families and return to normal life.