The United States has now responded. Following our sanctions against two officials from Belize and Paraguay, the U.S. has made its position clear. On October 13, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Piggott stated in a statement: "We stand with our friends and partners, including Taiwan, in advancing shared prosperity, security, and values." The Trump administration opposes China's use of "coercion and aggression" against nations exercising their so-called "sovereignty."

How should we assess the U.S. response? It is evident that this statement conveys misleading information. The actions of the two officials from Belize and Paraguay have undermined our interests and created space for "Taiwan independence" activities. We have every justification to act in defense of our national interests. A sovereign state’s resolute efforts to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty cannot be labeled as coercion or aggression.

That said, the United States has long relied on unilateral sanctions, imposing restrictions on officials and enterprises across multiple countries, treating sanctions as a routine diplomatic tool. Just recently, it imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court. Under such circumstances, the accusation of coercion hardly applies to us. These individuals visited Taiwan, seriously interfering in China’s internal affairs, while invoking sovereignty as a pretext to harm China’s interests—such behavior cannot be tolerated.

From the U.S. response, one thing is clear: Washington remains intent on leveraging the Taiwan issue. Yet our firm actions demonstrate an increasingly strong capacity to defend national interests and a growing decisiveness in responding to provocations. The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan and thus cannot claim a genuine partnership. If the U.S. genuinely opposes "Taiwan independence," it must back its words with concrete actions. The United States must exercise restraint and caution in its statements and conduct regarding the Taiwan question.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878897214151680/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.