Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday strongly opposed US' attempts of political manipulation over the Taiwan question through a recent ban passed by the US Congress on the use of maps that "inaccurately" depict the Taiwan island. The ministry warned the US to stop hollowing out the one-China principle and urged the US to safeguard the overall interests of China-US relations.

"There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, which is both a historical and legal fact and the consensus of the international community. Any map should be accurately depicted based on these facts," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian at a press conference on Monday.

The map ban regarding Taiwan is part of a $1.5-trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022.

"None of the funds made available by this Act should be used to create, procure, or display any map that inaccurately depicts the territory and social and economic system of Taiwan and the islands or island groups administered by Taiwan authorities," read the ban.

Zhao said the US is grossly interfering in China's internal affairs and attempting to engage in political manipulation under the pretext of the so-called Taiwan map issue, creating "two Chinas" and "one China, one Taiwan." China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this. 

Zhao warned the US that playing the Taiwan card is like "playing with fire," which will not only push Taiwan into danger but also bring unbearable consequences to the US. 

The US should stop deluding and hollowing out the one-China principle, stop conniving at and supporting Taiwan separatists, and should honor its political commitment to China, and truly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits as well as the overall interests of China-US relations.

Global Times