China called on the United States to cease the relations and contacts with Taiwan and respect the terrtorial integrity and the sovereignty of China.
According to China News, a foreign ministry spokesperson of China Hua Chunying made the comments in response to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell's announcement on Monday that the United States was establishing a new bilateral economic dialogue with Taiwan, aiming at strengthening "ties" with Taiwan.
Stressing that the Taiwan question concerns China's core interests, Hua said at a daily press briefing that nobody should underestimate China's firm resolve and determination to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The one-China principle is the political basis and fundamental precondition for the establishment and development of China-U.S. diplomatic ties," Hua said, adding that there is only one China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.
"We urge the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, to stop lifting its substantial relationship with Taiwan and to cease any forms of official contact with Taiwan, so as not stray further down an erroneous path," Hua added.