China expresses opposition to talks between US and visiting Taiwanese officials

(23 Aug 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Beijing - 23 August 2024
1. Wide of news conference
2. Wide of reporters
3. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson:
“We urge the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communique, implement the commitments made by U.S. leaders on Taiwan-related issues, handle Taiwan issues with caution, stop official exchanges with Taiwan, and stop escalating the substance of the U.S.-Taiwan relations, and stop condoning and supporting separatist acts of Taiwan independence in any way.”
4. Wide of reporters
5. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson:
“We hope that the few countries that still maintain so-called diplomatic relations with Taiwan can recognize the historical trend and make the right decisions that are in their own interests as soon as possible.”
6. Close of reporter
7. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson
“So far, preparations for the FOCAC summit have been going well. We will closely follow the relevant situation to ensure that the summit is a complete success.”
8. Wide of news conference
STORYLINE:
China on Friday reiterated its opposition to the U.S.-Taiwan exchanges following a reported secret visit by senior Taiwanese officials to the U.S. this week.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Joseph Wu, Taiwan’s national security adviser, have been in the Washington area for secret meetings known as “special channels” with American officials, according to media reports.

The “special channel” talks running for years have been kept under wraps to avoid criticisms from Beijing.

It is the first such visit since Taiwan’s new leader Lai Ching-te took office in May.

China called on the U.S. to “stop official exchanges with Taiwan, and stop escalating the substance of the U.S.-Taiwan relations, and stop condoning and supporting separatist acts of Taiwan independence in any way,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily news briefing about the talks.

Also, Mao urged Taiwan’s allies to “make the right decisions” in light of their national interests in Beijing when asked about the attendance of Swaziland, the only African country that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, at the upcoming 2024 Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Taiwan’s diplomatic allies have dropped to only 12 under Beijing's pressure over the years.

Mao dismissed the question about the possible impact of the rapid spread of mpox on the summit, insisting that the summit preparations were well underway.

“We will closely follow the relevant situation to ensure that the summit is a complete success,” she added.

The summit will open early next month, joined by dozens of African countries’ leaders and the African Union head.

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