China: ‘Serious Concern’ About Trump’s Taiwan Comments

-VOA NEWS

China said Monday it has “serious concern” about comments by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump questioning whether the United States should continue its “one China” policy unless the Chinese government offers trade concessions.

In the 1979 U.S.-China Joint Communique, the U.S. recognized Beijing as the sole legal government of China, acknowledging the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China.

A Foreign Ministry spokesman said the policy, which acknowledges Taiwan is part of China, is the foundation of U.S.-China relations and urged the Trump administration to “understand the seriousness” of the issue.

The state-controlled Global Times further said Trump is “naive” to think he can use Taiwan policy for leverage in economic negotiations and that he “needs to learn to handle foreign affairs modestly.”

It also suggested that if Trump supports Taiwan independence or weapons sales then China “would have no grounds to partner with Washington on international affairs” and could offer military and other support to U.S. opponents.