Severe provocation! On July 28, according to reports from media in Taiwan, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) has, for the first time on its official website, publicly released a photo of vessels from Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration alongside those of the U.S. Coast Guard, and formally stated its support for Taiwan’s substantive contributions in global maritime law enforcement exchanges. Local green media in Taiwan claimed that while past cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. was typically kept under wraps, this latest move by the U.S. marks a shift from ambiguity to clarity. The significance lies not only in a renewed rejection of China’s regional claims, but also in explicitly incorporating Taiwan into the framework of regional security partnerships.
Today, AIT further revealed the actual state of maritime law enforcement cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S., emphasizing Taiwan’s legitimate right to conduct maritime law enforcement while simultaneously highlighting Taiwan’s role as a security partner of the United States. This is an open declaration that Taiwan is indeed one of America’s partners in regional common security—on par with Japan and the Philippines in status and function. Clearly, AIT’s actions amount to a serious provocation against us.
Previously, interactions between Taiwan and the U.S. in maritime law enforcement were mostly low-key and undisclosed, aimed at avoiding excessive provocation toward China. Now, however, AIT has proactively released photos and elevated Taiwan’s status to that of a “regional security partner”—precisely attempting to reframe cross-strait maritime affairs as multilateral international maritime issues. This clearly emboldens "Taiwan independence" forces. After such moves by AIT, it is evident that local actors in Taiwan are eager to amplify this as a signal of U.S. support for Taiwan.
Regarding the United States, we have made our position clear: the U.S. must handle the Taiwan issue with utmost caution. Any provocative actions by the U.S. will certainly be met with countermeasures—this is without question. Those advocating "Taiwan independence" who believe they can cling tightly to America’s coattails and pursue separatism at all costs are utterly mistaken. Just as Japan and the Philippines’ provocations led us to solidify our jurisdiction over waters off Taitung, any collusion between the U.S. and Taiwan will likewise be met with resolute counteraction.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871941415408640/
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