China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, reaffirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and the South China Sea after Taiwan’s presidential inauguration.
A delegation of House lawmakers is currently in Taiwan, engaging with its recently elected officials, disregarding China’s cautionary advice to avoid the region. This visit comes at a time when Beijing is intensifying its military exercises around the island.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Michael McCaul, a Representative from Texas, is heading a diplomatic trip that spans multiple days. This trip comes shortly after President Lai Ching-te and his deputies assumed office, delivering a defiant speech that underscored Taiwan’s independence from the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Beijing.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, McCaul expressed his enthusiasm about leading a groundbreaking and bipartisan congressional delegation (CODEL) to Taiwan. This CODEL will be the first of its kind to meet with the newly elected officials in Taiwan. By embarking on this significant journey, McCaul aims to send a powerful message to the Chinese Communist Party that the United States firmly supports the Taiwanese people and is committed to preserving the current stability in the Taiwan Strait. McCaul eagerly anticipates engaging with senior leaders in Taiwan, as well as representatives from civil society, to further enhance the bilateral relationship between the two nations in various areas.
The bipartisan group consists of several members, including Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif., who serves as the panel’s subcommittee chair for the Indo-Pacific. Other members of the group include Reps. Andy Barr, R-Ky., Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., and Joe Wilson, R-S.C.
China’s Foreign Ministry Criticizes Taiwan’s Inauguration and the Philippines Standoff in the South China Sea
China’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the recent events surrounding Taiwan’s inauguration and the standoff between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. The ministry expressed its disapproval and frustration over these actions, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The ministry’s response comes after Taiwan’s President took the oath of office in Taipei, which China considers a violation of its One-China policy. China sees Taiwan as a renegade province and has long sought to reunify the two territories. The Foreign Ministry firmly stated that China will not tolerate any attempts to challenge its sovereignty or undermine its core interests.
Furthermore, the ministry addressed the ongoing standoff between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. China claims almost the entirety of the resource-rich waters, disregarding the territorial claims of neighboring countries, including the Philippines. The ministry criticized the Philippines’ actions in the disputed area and urged the country to refrain from any provocative actions that could escalate tensions.
China reiterated its commitment to resolving territorial disputes through peaceful means and called on relevant parties to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Foreign Ministry emphasized that China is willing to engage in dialogue and negotiations to find a peaceful resolution to the current challenges in the region.
In conclusion, China’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned Taiwan’s inauguration and the Philippines’ actions in the South China Sea. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and negotiations.
During an interview with Fox News Digital, Panetta emphasized that the trip conveyed a significant message of support for democracy worldwide.
“Democracies worldwide must unite to protect our common values and freedoms,” emphasized Panetta. “This bipartisan visit to Taiwan serves as a testament to the crucial partnership we need. I eagerly anticipate congratulating President Lai Ching-te on his recent inauguration and further enhancing the strong ties between our two nations, while keeping a keen eye on the region’s future challenges and opportunities.”
China’s Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that its military has been conducting a series of drills in the airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan Island. These exercises include sea assaults, land strikes, air defense, and anti-submarine operations. This display of force by China’s military is intended to be threatening and assertive.
China imposes sanctions on former Republican Rep Mike Gallagher following the inauguration of Taiwan’s president.
According to Beijing’s Defense Ministry, the military exercises involved the combined effort to secure complete control over the battlefield and carry out precise strikes on important targets. The purpose of these drills was to strongly punish the actions of the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces and send a clear warning to external forces against their interference and provocation.
The Taiwanese Defense Ministry reported that it monitored 49 Chinese military planes and 19 Navy ships from China conducting operations near the Island on Friday. They strongly criticized China’s drills, labeling them as an “irrational provocation.”
President Lai, in his inaugural speech, expressed his commitment to maintaining a firm stance against China’s encroachment while emphasizing the need to neither yield nor provoke Beijing.
Lawmakers engage in a physical altercation as Taiwan’s parliament erupts into chaos.
The Chinese government has expressed its disapproval of the new leader, while a top CCP official directly warned U.S. lawmakers against meeting with him or any other Taiwanese government officials.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin warned that if congressional members were to visit Taiwan, it would be a clear violation of the one-China principle. He emphasized that such visits would not only interfere in China’s internal affairs but also undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Wang further stressed that these actions would send a misguided message to the separatist forces advocating for “Taiwan independence.”
Wenbin urged the U.S. to cease official diplomatic communications with Taiwan, warning that any resulting consequences would be the responsibility of the U.S.
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