Condoning separatist forces means stocking flames in the Taiwan Straits. Cartoon:Carlos Latuff

China on Wednesday urged the US to fully recognize the dangerous ambition of "Taiwan independence" separatists, earnestly abide by the one-China principle, honor the commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence," stop arming Taiwan and stop sending any wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in any form, after US President Joe Biden claimed that he does not rule out the possibility of using military force to "defend" Taiwan island. 

Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair that brooks no external interference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference on Wednesday.

No pressure or threat will erode the determination, will and ability of the Chinese government and people to defend China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Mao said.

Mao said that both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one and the same China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. This is the real status quo in the Taiwan Straits. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people, Mao noted.

We urge the US to fully recognize the inherent nature and dangerous ambition of "Taiwan independence" separatists, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, honor the commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence," stop arming Taiwan and stop sending any wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in any form, Mao said.

On Tuesday, Time Magazine published an interview with Biden in which the US president said he "doesn't rule out" sending troops to "defend" Taiwan island if the Chinese mainland attacks, noting that this "would depend on the circumstances."

Biden's remarks expose the US' arrogance and indicate that some people in the US still needs to correct their distorted perceptions. Despite election pressures, certain tough expressions to assert the so-called tough stance irresponsibly impact China-US relations, Diao Daming, a professor at the Renmin University of China in Beijing, told the Global Times.

China-US relations are crucial and affect the interests of both countries and the world. To advance bilateral relations, it is essential to establish the red line and correct the fundamental issues in China-US relations, beginning with correcting perceptions about China and establishing a solid foundation for dialogue, Diao said. 

The recent collusion between separatist forces on Taiwan island and US politicians and arms contractors has raised concerns. According to media reports in Taiwan, representatives of 27 American arms contractors arrived in Taiwan on Monday to meet with Taiwan's regional leader Lai Ching-te, and they were scheduled to attend a forum aimed at "strengthening cooperation on defense technologies."

Representatives from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon were among the delegation. In February of 2023, China added two major US defense contractors, Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, to its unreliable entities list and imposed several sanctions, including a ban on trade activities related to China and significant fines, against the firms for their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan island.

Since Lai took office in May, his series of provocations has further destabilized cross-Straits relations. US arms dealers have seized this opportunity, attempting to exacerbate tensions and increase weapon sales to the island for profit. This pursuit of interests reflects the underlying agenda of certain interest groups in the US in seeking personal gain regarding the Taiwan question, Diao said.

China's determination, will, capability and confidence in resolving the Taiwan question have been fully demonstrated through recent countermeasures, including military drills around Taiwan island, Diao said.

The defense authority on the island of Taiwan said on Wednesday that from 6 am on Tuesday to 6 am on Wednesday, a total of 26 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and 10 PLA Navy vessels were operating around the island of Taiwan. 

The number of aircraft and vessels operating around the island is higher than in the previous five days and well above the daily average.

Certain individuals within the island and the US should fully recognize the current situation and refrain from further provocations. More severe and vigorous countermeasures will be taken in response to any continued provocations, Diao said.