China issues stern caution to U.S. over Taiwan tensions
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning to the United States, urging it not to escalate tensions concerning Taiwan. This comes in response to statements from the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, accusing China of preparing to invade the island.
The Ministry released a statement cautioning the U.S. against "playing with fire" over the Taiwan issue. This warning follows comments made by Secretary Hegseth, who suggested that China was gearing up for an invasion.
China warns the U.S. on Taiwan issue
In a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, published just before 5pm GMT, it was highlighted that Beijing has lodged a formal protest with American diplomatic officials. Chinese authorities expressed their disapproval of the U.S. using the Taiwan issue as a bargaining chip.
During the Shangri-La Dialogue conference in Singapore, Hegseth accused China of preparing to exert military force in the Asia-Pacific region. The speech was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, underscoring the international context of the gathering.
China and the Taiwan issue
China chose not to send a representative to the Shangri-La Dialogue conference, which is the largest security and defence forum in Asia. Beijing maintains that Taiwan is an internal affair of China, and it insists that other countries should refrain from interference.
Chinese authorities stress that the United States should not exploit Taiwan as a means to limit China's influence. Beijing warns that such actions could dangerously escalate tensions.
Amidst increasing tensions in the region, the situation concerning Taiwan remains a pivotal issue in China-U.S. relations. In April, China conducted military exercises around Taiwan, practising, among other tactics, a blockade of the island.
Recently, China-U.S. relations have also become strained due to the ongoing trade war. Former President Donald Trump accused China of breaching the terms of a preliminary trade agreement. He also revoked visas for Chinese students.
