China warns of ‘subversive effect’ in relations with US over Taiwan

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China has warned the US that their bilateral relations will undergo a “subversive effect” if the Taiwan issue is “not handled properly.”

“Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, which is a fact and status quo that no one can change,” Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe told US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in a rare phone call on Wednesday.

“If the Taiwan question is not handled properly, it will have a subversive effect on the China-US relations,” a statement by China’s Defense Ministry quoted Wei telling Austin.

He added the Chinese military “will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”

The statement comes amid increased contact between Washington and Taipei, including visits by American lawmakers to Taiwan and the arms sale to the self-ruled island.

While China sees Taiwan as its breakaway province, Taipei has been insisting on its independence since 1949.

The US formally recognized China in 1979 and shifted diplomatic relations from Taipei to Beijing, including Taiwan as part of mainland China.

Wei asked the US not to support “Taiwan’s independence.”

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu responded sharply to claims by Wei, saying: “Lies and false territorial claims are textbook authoritarian expansionism. They can also be a prelude to war as in the case of Ukraine.

“... Taiwan’s people stand ready to defend our democratic way of life,” Joseph said on the ministry’s Twitter handle.

The Chinese defense minister said: “The US side should fulfill its commitment that it does not seek a new Cold War with China.”

He stressed that China “hopes to establish sound and stable major-country relations with the US and surely will defend its national interests and dignity.”

He warned that “the US should not underestimate China’s determination and capability.”

According to the Chinese statement, Austin told Wei the US will “strengthen military exchanges and cooperation in a frank and open manner.

“The US adheres to the One China principle. The two sides should manage competition and risks in a responsible way and properly handle the difficult problems in the military-to-military relationship,” he added.

The statement said the two sides also discussed the situation in Ukraine.

“China urged the US to stop military provocations at sea and refrain from using the Ukraine issue to smear and sow false evidence against China, or threaten and put pressure on China,” it added.