A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday voiced firm opposition to the U.S. sending military personnel to China's Taiwan region for exercises and exchange.
Such "deliberate and provocative" moves seriously violated basic norms of international relations and sent a wrong signal to separatist elements advocating "Taiwan independence," said Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense.
In doing so, the U.S. side has violated its political commitment to China, Ren said in response to a question at a regular press conference, warning the step had a severe negative impact on bilateral relations and military-to-military ties between China and the United States, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Ren noted that China has lodged solemn representations with the United States, urging Washington to immediately rectify its mistake, and halt official and military contacts of any form with Taiwan region.
The U.S. side should honor its commitment to the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and ensure that such incidents will not happen again, said Ren.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, Ren said, stressing the future of Taiwan lies in national reunification and the well-being of Taiwan compatriots depends on national rejuvenation.
Borrowing the strength of foreign influence will never succeed, Ren said.
China has the resolve, full confidence, and sufficient capability to thwart any form of interference by external forces and separatist acts of "Taiwan independence," Ren noted.
China will resolutely defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, he said.
China to safeguard peace in South China Sea despite U.S. disruption
China will be more determined to defend its own sovereignty and security, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea despite the U.S. attempts to make waves in the region, the defense ministry spokesperson continued.
Commenting on the U.S. side's sending two aircraft carriers to the South China Sea for exercises and other moves, Ren Guoqiang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told a regular press conference that the U.S. actions have fully exposed its hegemonic mentality and double standards.
The United States portrays itself as an "arbitrator" of the South China Sea issue, but is, in fact, a disruptor of regional peace, a destroyer of regional cooperation, and an instigator of international tensions, said Ren.
He said China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and their adjacent waters, which is based on sufficient historical and jurisprudential evidence.
Ren noted that with the concerted efforts by China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea is generally stable and relevant negotiations have made positive progress.
He urged the U.S. side to stop making false remarks, stop taking provocative military actions in the South China Sea, and stop sowing discord among countries in the region.
Chinese military refutes US defense secretary's verbal attacks
The spokesperson refuted the recent verbal attacks by U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper on China.
"His accusations against China are utterly groundless and unjustifiable, and his speech was teeming with arrogance, prejudice and malice. We firmly oppose such remarks," Ren Guoqiang, a spokesperson of the ministry, said at a press conference in response to a question on Esper's recent smearing remarks about China.
It is well known by the international community that the United States only abides by international rules that are in its favor, pushes for "America First" agenda and bullies other countries, Ren said.
In striking contrast to the U.S. side's frequent rules-breaking moves, China joined the Arms Trade Treaty to further fulfill its international responsibilities and obligations on the day the United States announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, Ren added.
Ren urged the U.S. side to stop undermining global peace and regional stability, or sowing discord around the international community.
He said the U.S. side should discard its Cold War mentality and stop its attacks on China, and do something meaningful to promote the common interests of the two militaries and the two countries.
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