Official announcements from the U.S. Department of Defense or the White House

China Warns U.S. Over Taiwan Support, Cites 'Red Line' Amid Lai-Johnson Call

Dec 6, 2024, 07:58 AM

China has issued a stern warning to the United States regarding its support for Taiwan, particularly following a call between Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that the Taiwan question is a core issue in China-U.S. relations, describing it as a 'red line' that must not be crossed. Lin criticized the U.S. for what he described as 'using force to support Taiwan independence,' stating that such actions are fundamentally incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Straits. In response to President Lai's upcoming transit through Hawaii or Guam, China has stepped up military activities in the region, including likely war games around Taiwan. This move is seen as an attempt to set a 'red line' for the incoming Trump administration and U.S. allies. China has urged the U.S. to stop sending 'wrong signals' over Taiwan and to cease official exchanges with the island, which China considers part of its territory.