Senior US, Chinese diplomats assert positions on Taiwan | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

The US State Department has disclosed that senior US and Chinese diplomats have asserted their countries’ positions on Taiwan.

The State Department issued a press release Monday announcing that China Coordinator and Deputy Assistant Secretary for China and Taiwan Mark Lambert held virtual talks with China’s Director-General for Boundary and Ocean Affairs Hong Liang on May 23.

The meeting comes after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who does not recognize the “one-China” principle, took office on May 20 and as China was carrying out military exercises near Taiwan.

The press release says the US “reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and shared deep concerns” about China’s “joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan.”

China’s Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday that the Chinese side emphasized that the “one-China” principle is the political foundation of bilateral relations. It also emphasized that the principle is a significant foundation for dialogue between both sides on maritime issues.

It said, “Taiwan independence” is the biggest threat that will destroy peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. It said the US side should immediately stop supporting and acknowledging “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

The two diplomats also reiterated their positions when they met last November.

As the two countries remain at odds over Taiwan, the US apparently aims to continue dialogue with China and stabilize relations.