China reiterated its unwavering opposition to Taiwan’s push for independence, especially as the United States continues to arm the island region. The Chinese government has consistently maintained that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, and any attempts to support its independence, particularly through military aid, will be met with firm resistance.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned Washington’s actions, which he said were designed to support Taiwan’s “independence agenda.” China views these actions as a direct threat to peace in the Taiwan Strait, an area of immense geopolitical significance. Lin emphasized that Beijing’s stance remains unchanged: there is only one China, and Taiwan is an integral part of that China.
“Let me stress that ‘Taiwan independence’ is as incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait as fire with water,” Lin said, underlining the tension surrounding the issue. He warned that any foreign intervention aimed at strengthening Taiwan’s defense would only escalate military risks in the region.
In recent months, the U.S. has made several announcements regarding arms sales to Taiwan, a move that has alarmed China. Beijing claims that these sales violate the long-standing “one-China” principle, which underpins China’s territorial claims over Taiwan. Lin Jian asserted that these actions interfere in China’s internal affairs and undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For China, Taiwan’s status is non-negotiable. The Taiwanese issue is described as “the core of China’s core interests,” and any challenge to this status is seen as a direct affront to the nation’s unity. Beijing has previously imposed sanctions on U.S. military companies involved in arms sales to Taiwan, invoking its Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law in retaliation. These sanctions are seen as part of China’s broader strategy to deter foreign interference and assert its territorial claims.
China’s resolve on the Taiwan issue is also rooted in international law. Beijing points to the 1971 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, which reaffirmed the “one-China” principle. This resolution recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate representative of China at the UN, effectively expelling Taiwan from the international body. The resolution set a precedent for global diplomatic recognition of China’s claim over Taiwan, and Beijing continues to push for worldwide adherence to this principle.
The Chinese government has long emphasized that over 180 countries around the world maintain diplomatic relations with China based on the one-China principle, a fact it cites as evidence of widespread international support for its position. Kenya, in particular, is lauded by China as a steadfast ally in this regard. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, with Kenya affirming its support for the one-China policy in a 2006 joint communique and reaffirming this stance again in 2024. Beijing has repeatedly expressed its gratitude for Kenya’s principled position, highlighting the deep mutual respect for each other’s core interests.
China’s push for global recognition of its claim over Taiwan also extends to multilateral forums like the UN. Chinese diplomats argue that Taiwan is referred to as “Taiwan, Province of China” in all official UN documents, a reminder of Beijing’s authoritative stance on the issue. The diplomatic pressure from China is clear: Taiwan’s independence is non-negotiable, and any nation that seeks to recognize Taiwan as a separate entity or supply it with military aid will face consequences.
In summary, China’s message to the U.S. and other foreign powers is clear: arms sales to Taiwan only deepen military tensions in the region and threaten peace in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing remains resolute in its opposition to Taiwan’s independence, calling on the international community to respect the established “one-China” principle. As tensions continue to rise, the Taiwan issue remains a flashpoint in Sino-U.S. relations and a critical challenge for global diplomacy.
