China on Tuesday warned the US that it will pay a “heavy price” for its attempts to show support to Taiwan’s independence as a delegation of ex-American defense officials dispatched by President Joe Biden landed in Taipei amid apprehensions that Beijing may attempt action against the self-ruled island akin to Russia’s military assault in Ukraine.
China in recent months ratcheted up military preparations sending hundreds of its air force jets into Taiwan’s Air Defence Zone besides beefing up its naval force keeping the self-governing breakaway island on tenterhooks.
Besides Mullen’s visit, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to arrive in Taiwan on Wednesday.
Both Mullen and Pompeo, known for their anti-China rhetoric during their stint under former US President Donald Trump, are due to meet Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who Beijing blames as the ring-leader of advocating Taiwan’s independence.
The Chinese Foreign Minister had words for the US officials:
“The Chinese people are firmly determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity…The attempt by the US to show support to Taiwan will be in vain no matter who it sent. China urges the US to abide by the one-China principle”.
