China warns US over defense act concerning Taiwan

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang warns US over defense act concerning Taiwan on Monday. [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

Chinese authorities have warned the United States over a proposal which could re-establish ports-of-call between the US and Taiwan.

The US House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act for the coming fiscal year last week.

The act contains provisions about re-establishing regular ports-of-call by the U.S. Navy in Taiwan, as well as the US navy accepting visits by ships from Taiwan.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said these provisions seriously violate the one-China policy and the three China-U.S. joint communiques upheld by the US.

"The National Defense Authorization Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives contained some negative content, such as the request that the U.S. Defense Secretary should submit a report to the congress about feasibility assessment on exchanging visits of warships between the United States and Taiwan. The relevant clause is a serious violation of the one-China policy of the United States and the principles of the three U.S.-China joint communiqués, and is an interference with China's internal affairs. China has lodged solemn representations to the U.S. side." 

The Chinese side is calling on US authorities to prevent the act from becoming law, as well as stop retrogressive moves that damage China-US ties.