China’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned Taiwan’s presidential inauguration, describing it as a provocation. The ministry asserted China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and criticized the United States for congratulating Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te. In response to the inauguration, China has imposed sanctions on former U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, accusing him of interfering in China’s internal affairs. The ministry has also criticized U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for offering congratulations to Taiwan’s new president, accusing the U.S. of violating its commitment to maintain only unofficial relations with Taiwan.
Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te, in his inaugural speech, expressed a desire for peace with China but urged it to stop its military threats and intimidation against the self-governed island. Lai pledged to neither yield nor provoke Beijing and emphasized Taiwan’s determination to defend itself against threats and attempts at infiltration from China.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, in response to Lai’s speech, criticized it for promoting separatism and relying on foreign forces to seek independence. The office asserted that China will never tolerate or condone any form of Taiwan independence activities and expressed confidence that adversaries cannot stop the historical trend of the motherland’s eventual reunification.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has also announced sanctions against Boeing and two other defense companies for arms sales to Taiwan. The ministry has stated that China will continue to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The diplomatic rift between China and Taiwan has escalated in recent years, with China increasing its military presence around Taiwan and Taiwan seeking closer ties with the United States and other countries. The inauguration of President Lai Ching-te is likely to further strain relations between the two sides.
