Amid escalating tensions surrounding Taiwan’s status and growing friction in US-China relations, Beijing reiterated its staunch stance on Taiwan, vowing it would “never compromise” on the issue. China urged the United States to halt military aid to Taiwan just days ahead of crucial elections in the self-ruled island.
The upcoming Taiwan elections, scheduled for Saturday, have drawn significant attention, particularly from Beijing and Washington, due to their potential impact on Taiwan’s relations with an increasingly assertive China. China has consistently claimed Taiwan as part of its territory, pledging eventual reunification.
In recent defense discussions at the Pentagon, Chinese officials demanded the cessation of US arms sales to Taiwan and opposition to Taiwan’s independence. On the other hand, the US reaffirmed its commitment to the “One China” policy, emphasizing it does not support Taiwan’s independence and advocating for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Despite a recent attempt to resume military dialogue in November, US-China relations remain strained on various fronts, including the South China Sea disputes. Beijing urged the US to cease “provocative actions” in the waterway, emphasizing respect for high seas freedom of navigation. The US underscored its adherence to international law and the importance of maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication to prevent potential conflicts.
The renewed tensions come against the backdrop of longstanding disagreements, including Taiwan’s status and territorial disputes, continuing to challenge relations between the two global powers.
