China Warns U.S.: Hands Off Taiwan, Cease Provocations in South China Sea

On May 31st, China’s Vice Foreign Minister reported that Deputy Minister Ma Zhaoxu, who visited the United States, demanded a halt on anti-China rhetoric during the Deputy Foreign Ministers’ talks between the two countries.

Vice Minister Ma Zhaoxu of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and U.S. Deputy Security of State Kurt Campbell discussed current issues between the two countries on the 30th of last month.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Ma and Campbell exchanged views on U.S.-China relations and international issues of common interest in Washington, D.C., on the morning of the 30th of last month. At this meeting, Ma asked Campbell to stop slandering China and to cease unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies. His remarks were likely aimed at U.S. criticism alleging China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine war.

Ma emphasized that the Taiwan issue is the most critical red line in U.S.-China relations, describing it as the most important, sensitive, and potentially explosive issue between the two countries. He argued that Taiwan’s independence and peace in the Taiwan Strait are fundamentally incompatible, comparing them to water and fire. He further suggested that if the United States truly desires peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, it must adhere to the “One China” policy and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués and refrain from supporting Taiwan’s independence.

Regarding the South China Sea issue, Ma urged the United States to stop supporting provocations that violate sovereignty and to cease factional confrontations in the Asia-Pacific region. He expressed that “the United States can’t want dialogue and cooperation while harming China’s interests” and that “the Chinese government and people will never agree to deprive China of its legitimate right to development.”

Reports mention that the talks were constructive and that international issues, such as the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula, were also discussed.

Ma visited the United States for three days starting on the 30th of last month. He also met with Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor to the White House, and Deputy Advisor Jon Finer.