China urges Biden to "be cautious in words and actions" after US says "will defend Taiwan if attacked"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The Chinese government emphasized that "the Taiwan issue is a purely internal affair" in response to U.S. President Joe Biden's statement that "if China attacks Taiwan, we will defend Taiwan," urging the United States to "be cautious in its words and actions."

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was asked to comment on President Biden's remarks regarding Taiwan during a regular briefing on the 22nd. He said, "Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory, and the Taiwan issue is purely an internal matter that does not tolerate external interference."

He also stated, "China has no room for compromise or concession on core interests related to its sovereignty and territorial integrity," adding, "No one should underestimate the strong determination, will, and capability of the Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Spokesperson Wang further urged the United States to "be cautious in its words and actions on the Taiwan issue and not send wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, so as not to cause serious damage to China-U.S. relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

Earlier, on the 21st (local time), during a CNN town hall meeting held in Baltimore, President Biden was asked whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan if China attacked it. He replied, "Yes," adding, "We have that obligation."