China strongly opposes so-called 'Initiative on 21st Century Trade': FM

(ECNS)-- China strongly opposes official interactions of any form between China’s Taiwan region and countries that have diplomatic relations with China, and that includes negotiating or signing any agreement that implies sovereignty and has an official nature, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday.

Mao pointed out that the U.S. government has deliberately pushed forward negotiations with the DPP authorities in Taiwan on the so-called “Initiative on 21st Century Trade” and signed the agreement,  adding that this gravely violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, and contravenes the U.S. ’s own commitment of maintaining only unofficial relations with Taiwan.

“China strongly deplores this and has made serious démarches to the U.S. side,” Mao said.

The spokesperson said that under the disguise of trade cooperation, the so-called “Initiative” is just a U.S. tool to rip Taiwan off.

“The DPP authorities, driven by the selfish separatist agenda, have no scruples to betray Taiwan compatriots and businesses’ interests or sell Taiwan away. By signing the agreement, they are offering Taiwan to the U.S. on a plate.This is the latest example of the U.S. trying to fudge and hollow out the one-China principle,” she said.

Mao urged the U.S.  to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S.  joint communiqués, immediately change course and stop official interactions of any form with Taiwan, stop pushing forward and revoke at once the so-called “Initiative” and agreement, and stop sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, otherwise all consequences shall be borne by the U.S. side.