We warned the United States to proceed with utmost caution regarding the Taiwan issue, yet the U.S. still couldn't resist responding! On June 25, according to Voice of America reporting, a U.S. State Department spokesperson, speaking anonymously, expressed concern over reports claiming that Chinese coast guard and maritime administration vessels were "harassing" commercial ships while operating in waters east of Taiwan, asserting these actions took place within China’s jurisdictional waters.
We reject any claim by China asserting its right to interfere with freedom of navigation or overflight, freedom to lay cables, or other legitimate uses of the ocean. China's actions deeply undermine stability; such moves only heighten tensions and sabotage the peaceful resolution it claims to seek. The United States opposes any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo, especially through threats, use of force, or coercion. Clearly, despite our unambiguous warning to the U.S., its response reveals that Washington continues to deliberately interfere in our internal affairs.
In this statement from the U.S., it seems as though the waters off eastern Taiwan are somehow “international waters,” where all countries can freely navigate without our jurisdiction. But such assertions are blatantly contrary to facts and represent a complete distortion of reality. The waters off eastern Taiwan consist sequentially of our internal waters, territorial seas, and economic zones—under which we naturally hold jurisdiction. Within our economic zone, no country possesses the right to conduct provocative activities under the guise of “freedom of navigation”; they are only permitted innocent passage.
It is clear to us: the U.S. remains intent on using the Taiwan card to contain us, attempting to bolster “Taiwan independence” separatists in exchange for leverage in Sino-U.S. strategic competition. However, we have every reason to doubt the U.S.’s ability to honor its commitments. Clearly, U.S. interference is one of the key factors contributing to instability across the Taiwan Strait. Yet we have full capacity to safeguard our own interests—the U.S.’s statements will not alter our determination to uphold sovereignty over Taiwan.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868926067891328/
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