The United States had not changed its views on China’s claim over self-ruled Taiwan and it is still subscribing to the One-China policy, Washington’s top diplomat for East Asia said Thursday.
“The United States is committed to the ‘One-China’ policy, guided by Taiwan’s Relation Act… We do not support Taiwan’s independence,” East Asia and Pacific Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Kritenbrink told reporters on a teleconference call.
“While our policy has not changed, what has changed is Beijing’s growing coercion. The PRC’s words and actions are deeply destabilizing. They risk miscalculation and threaten the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait,” he added.
He said that Washington will continue to keep the lines of communication open to Beijing. He added that the United States will continue to conduct routine naval transits through the Taiwan Strait.
“We will continue to take calm, but resolute steps to uphold peace and stability in the face of Beijing’s ongoing efforts to undermine it and to support Taiwan in line with our long-standing policy. We will act responsibly, steadily and resolutely,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he reiterated his commitment to further strengthen the Philippines’ relations with China.
Marcos renewed his commitment during his meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian at the Malacañang Palace on Thursday.
“We welcomed the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Huang Xilian, in a courtesy call yesterday,” Marcos wrote in a social media post.
“We are very grateful for the visit, and we look forward to further strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines for the benefit of both our peoples.”
Huang, said he was “greatly honored” for paying a courtesy call on the Philippine leader.
He is optimistic that under his administration, the bilateral ties between the Philippines and China will be further strengthened.
“We exchanged views on further strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines for the benefit of both our peoples,” Huang said.
“I’m fully confident that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Marcos, the China-Philippines relationship will further grow and achieve more benefits in the years to come,” he added.
Marcos has previously met Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi with whom he promised to maintain the “strong relationship” between the two nations.
The Chinese government earlier invited Marcos to visit China. Marcos accepted the invitation during his meeting with Wang but no date has been set as of the moment.