After the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's presidential candidate defeated other candidates, China reiterated that it will not tolerate “separatist activities” in Taiwan, MTI reported. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry called on China to respect the results of the island's presidential election.
Shortly after the results were announced on Saturday, Chen Pinghua, a spokesman for the Chinese office that handles Taiwan affairs, said:
Beijing “strongly opposes” Taiwan independence, and a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said there is only one China.
“We firmly oppose separatist activities aimed at Taiwan independence and foreign interference,” Chen Pinghua warned. “We continue to take the position that the resolution of the Taiwan issue and national reunification remain reasonable, and our resolve is rock-solid.”
Taiwan described Beijing's reaction to the vote as “ridiculous,” noting that dozens of countries had already congratulated the results. After the results were announced, Lai Cheng-to, Vice President Williams Lai, who received the majority of votes, told foreign reporters that the vote showed the international community that “between democracy and tyranny, the Taiwanese people choose first” but added that he hoped “cooperation” between Taiwan and China.
US President Joe Biden, as he left the White House after the election of Lai Jing-teo, told reporters that the United States does not support Taiwan independence – Reuters reports. In addition to recognizing the “one China” policy, Washington maintains relations with the Taipei government and is the largest arms supplier to Taiwan.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken congratulated Lai Ching-tun and the Taiwanese people on their “strong democratic system” after winning the election. He stressed that the United States is “determined to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and to resolve disputes peacefully, without coercion or pressure.”
On Sunday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized countries that congratulated the winner of Taiwan's presidential elections, including the United States. China called on the United States to adhere to the “one China” principle.
“China has always firmly opposed any form of official relations between the United States and Taiwan, and firmly opposes US interference in Taiwan affairs in any form and under any pretext,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry wrote.
A delegation of American politicians arrived in Taiwan on Sunday, and the delegates are scheduled to meet with a number of senior Taiwanese politicians on Monday.
You can read our analysis of Taiwan's election risks here.
