Ambassador urges U.S. to respect one-China principle

China's ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang urged the Biden administration to respect the one-China principle in deeds rather than just words on Thursday during his first interview with U.S. media since taking office in July.

"We have taken notice of President (Joe) Biden's words that the United States does not support 'Taiwan independence' and the United States wants to see peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, the United States will adhere to its one-China policy, but so far, we haven't seen many actions to honor his words," Qin said in his interview with National Public Radio's Morning Edition.

Tension across the Taiwan Straits has been escalating because the Taiwan authorities have been "trying to seek independence agenda by borrowing support, the encouragement of the U.S. and the U.S. playing the Taiwan card to contain China", he said.

"The one-China principle is the most important foundation of China-U.S. relations in the past decades," but it is "being hollowed out by the United States".

The ambassador said the U.S. has been walking away from its commitment bit by bit by increasing official links and upgrading them, selling more advanced weaponry to Taiwan and sending soldiers there.

He noted the Taiwan question is the "biggest tinderbox" between China and the United States, emphasizing "we will do our utmost in the greatest sincerity to achieve a peaceful reunification, which we believe is in the best interests of people across the Taiwan Straits, in the best interests of China-U.S. relations, in the best interests of peace and stability in the region.

"If the Taiwan authority, emboldened by the United States, keeps going down the road for independence, it would most likely involve China and the United States, the two big countries, in a military conflict. China does not want to have conflict or confrontation with the United States. The United States does not want war with China. So, no war, no conflict is the biggest consensus between China and the United States. So, let's work together to contain the separatist forces of Taiwan, to give peace a chance. Let peace prevail."

"The relationship between China and the United States is the most important relationship. We must work well and not mess it up. We wish the United States well. But the question is: can the United States respect and accept China's rise as a positive force to maintain or to facilitate world peace and prosperity? Can the United States believe China's rise will benefit other countries, benefit people in the United States and provide more business opportunities and more jobs?" Qin queried.

When asked whether he anticipated a period of greater difficulty between the two countries, Qin said both countries are at a very challenging time and he is here to "reach out to people of all communities in the United States, tell them China's intention and policy — of course a good intention and reasonable policy vis-a-vis China-U.S. relationship — and (be) open-minded for all sorts of opinions."

"In China's belief, we hope a good relationship will be established based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. As I said, it's not easy, and it will take time. There will be a lot of difficulties. My role is to make this road have less pain, less difficulties and more certainty."