China protested to the United States over Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's transit through the U.S. territories of Hawaii and Guam during his tour of South Pacific island nations.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te waves to the crowd at the commemorative event held in Taipei on October 10, the National Day (Double Ten Day). Photo by Yonhap News
On the 6th, Lin Zhen, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing, "The United States arranged the schedule to allow Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te to make official transit stops in Hawaii and Guam, helping Taiwan expand its international space."
He added, "(This) provides a platform that aids Taiwan independence separatist activities, seriously violates the 'One China' principle, undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and sends a seriously wrong signal to Taiwan separatist forces," and explained, "China expresses strong dissatisfaction and has already lodged stern representations with the U.S. side."
He emphasized, "The One China principle is the political foundation of U.S.-China relations and a fundamental norm of international relations," and "The Taiwan issue is the first red line that must not be crossed in U.S.-China relations." Furthermore, he demanded that the United States "adhere to the One China principle and the three U.S.-China joint communiques, fulfill the promises made by U.S. leaders not to support Taiwan independence, and cease official exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan."
Earlier, President Lai embarked on a six-night, seven-day tour on the 30th of last month, visiting the Pacific island nations of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau since taking office in May. With Taiwan's diplomatic space severely limited due to Chinese pressure, the president's transit through the United States has been used as an opportunity to directly strengthen ties with the U.S., but China has responded each time with military demonstrations and protests.
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