China and the US: Different Words and Actions... Emphasizing 'One China'

Yang Jiechi Meets Sullivan in Rome to Warn on Taiwan Issue
Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet Reasserted as China's Internal Affairs

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party in charge of foreign affairs, emphasized the Taiwan issue during the highest-level China-US diplomatic talks with Jake Sullivan, US White House National Security Advisor, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 15th. Xinhua reported that Yang and Sullivan held talks on the 14th (local time) in Rome, Italy.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Xinhua emphasized that during the talks, frank, in-depth, and constructive communication was conducted on China-US relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, and highlighted the importance of adhering to the agreements discussed at the bilateral summit. It also explained that Yang reiterated China's position on sovereignty and core interests, including the Taiwan issue, to the US side.

During the talks, Yang claimed regarding the Taiwan issue that "the United States has promised to uphold the 'One China' principle and not support Taiwan independence, but its words and actions do not match."

Xinhua reported that Yang expressed serious concerns about the recent incorrect words and deeds of the United States on the Taiwan issue.

Yang stated, "The US Taiwan card, which condones and supports Taiwan separatism (independence), will not succeed," and added, "The One China principle and existing China-US joint communiques must be respected."

Xinhua added that at the China-US summit in November last year, President Xi Jinping presented the direction for the development of bilateral relations based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutual cooperation, and President Joe Biden said he does not support Taiwan independence and has no intention of confronting China.

Yang also conveyed to Sullivan the solemn Chinese position on issues related to Xinjiang Uyghur, Tibet, and Hong Kong, emphasizing that these matters are internal affairs of China.

He stressed that "acknowledging differences and pursuing common interests is the right path for China and the United States to get along well," and warned that any attempt by the US to suppress China will fail.

Yang then referred to the 'Shanghai Communique' (China-US Joint Communique: respecting the One China principle), which led to the normalization of relations between the two countries 50 years ago, and argued that the two countries should learn from history, uphold the spirit of mutual coexistence, and open the path to win-win cooperation.

Xinhua reported that during the talks, opinions were exchanged on international and regional issues including Ukraine, North Korean nuclear issues, Iranian nuclear issues, and Afghanistan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.