Chinese Ambassador to the US Warns US Delegation Visiting Taiwan Not to Underestimate China

Democratic U.S. Representatives John Garamendi, Alan Lowenthal, and Don Beyer, along with Republican Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, arrived at Songshan Airport in Taipei, Taiwan on the 14th and were greeted by Hsiu-Den Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs North America Director (center). 2022.08.15 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Amid ongoing visits by U.S. lawmakers to Taiwan, Qin Gang, the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, warned on the 16th (local time) not to underestimate China.

According to Bloomberg News, Ambassador Qin told reporters on the day, "China has opposed visits by the U.S. Congress to Taiwan for decades because such visits are seen as violations of the 'One China' policy."

He expressed discomfort over the recent consecutive visits by U.S. lawmakers to Taiwan, stating, "Congress is part of the U.S. government; it is not an independent or uncontrollable institution." He added, "Congress has an obligation to comply with U.S. foreign policy. That is why we are very disappointed and dissatisfied with Senator (Ed) Markey's visit to Taiwan," and described it as "provocative and completely unhelpful."

Following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan earlier this month amid China's protests, U.S. lawmakers from both the Senate and House, including Democratic Senator Markey, visited Taiwan on the 15th and 16th. These include Democratic Representatives John Garamendi, Alan Lowenthal, Don Beyer, and Republican Representative Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen. Prior to this, China conducted large-scale military demonstrations in the Taiwan Strait as a sign of protest immediately after Pelosi's visit, and on the 15th, when these lawmakers visited, China carried out military exercises in the sea and airspace around Taiwan.

The U.S. government maintains that the congressional visits to Taiwan are based on Congress's independent judgment and that the U.S. government's 'One China' policy remains unchanged. Instead, it criticizes China for its irresponsible military demonstrations. Conversely, China protests that visits by high-ranking U.S. congressional officials to Taiwan deny the One China policy and aim to increase regional tensions.

Ambassador Qin warned, "We are currently dealing with serious aftereffects from Speaker Pelosi's visit," and said, "Do not underestimate the strong determination and capability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."