Taipei/Beijing,May 13, (dpa/GNA) – After Chinese President Xi Jinping warned of potential conflict over Taiwan, the government in Taipei accused Beijing of being responsible for escalating tensions in the region.
Earlier, Xi cautioned US President Donald Trump against mishandling the Taiwan issue during Trump’s visit to Beijing. He said “maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common denominator for both China and the United States.”
Responding to the remarks on Thursday, Taiwan government spokeswoman Michelle Lee told reporters that “China’s military threats are the only source of instability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.”
Lee stressed that strengthening national defence and maintaining effective joint deterrence are essential to safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
She added that the Taiwanese government views positively, any actions that help stabilize regional conditions and manage risks posed by the expansion of authoritarian influence.
Commenting on the Trump–Xi meeting, Lee said Taiwan’s national security and diplomatic teams have maintained close contact with US counterparts.
She noted that the United States has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear and firm support for Taiwan, adding: “We’re very grateful for the longstanding support provided by the United States across multiple levels.”
The United States, Taiwan’s main security partner, is legally committed to helping Taiwan defend itself under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of Chinese territory, although the island has been self-governed under a democratically elected government since 1949.
GNA