China Protests US National Defense Authorization Act, Citing Sovereignty Concerns
China Condemns US Law Supporting Taiwan’s Defense
During a daily press conference in Beijing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning criticized a new US law that provides military support to Taiwan, arguing that it interferes in China’s internal affairs and violates the one-China principle. Mao called on the US administration to fulfill President Joe Biden’s promise of not supporting Taiwan’s independence and condemned the law, protesting through diplomatic channels.
The law justifies the US government’s defense spending for the 2024 fiscal year and includes provisions regarding China’s sovereignty claims in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as military assistance to support Taiwan’s defense. China sees this as a threat and argues that it puts Chinese companies under pressure and restricts normal economic, commercial, and humanitarian relations between the two countries.
Mao emphasized the need for the US to give up the cold war mentality and ideological prejudices, urging for a suitable environment for cooperation in trade and other areas. He also called for the US to work on the positive results of the meeting between the leaders of the two countries in November and not implement the negative content of the law. However, he warned that if the US insists on its stance, China will take strong and determined measures to protect its sovereignty, security, development rights, and interests.
The dispute between China and Taiwan has its roots in the aftermath of the civil war, with Taiwan having de facto independence since 1949. The Beijing administration opposes Taiwan’s independent diplomatic relations with other countries and its representation in international organizations. Since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1979, the United States has recognized the one-China policy but has pledged to support Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and oppose actions aimed at unilaterally changing the status quo in the region.
As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate over the issue of Taiwan, the diplomatic relations between the two countries are at a critical juncture. The implementation of the new US law supporting Taiwan’s defense could further strain the already fragile relations between the two global powers. The coming months will be crucial in determining the direction of the China-Taiwan dispute and the US stance on the matter.
