
BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes any form of official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, adding that some U.S. politicians would pay a heavy price for their wrongdoings concerning China's Taiwan region.
Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a daily press briefing when responding to a question about U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft, who held talks with Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen via video link on Thursday.
"Craft's words and deeds interfere in China's internal affairs, gravely violate the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and go against the U.S. political commitment on the Taiwan question. China firmly opposes this," Zhao said.
There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, Zhao said. "The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing China. This fact is recognized by the international community and a basic principle governing international relations," he said.
"The United Nations consists of sovereign states. The participation of China's Taiwan region in international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), must be handled under the one-China principle," Zhao said, adding that it is also an important principle recognized in the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and the World Health Assembly Resolution 25.1.
"The central government of China attaches great importance to the health and well-being of Taiwan compatriots. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have repeatedly and timely informed Taiwan region of the latest epidemic prevention and control developments, and made appropriate arrangements for Taiwan's participation in global health affairs," he said.
There is an International Health Regulations Contact Point in the Taiwan region, and its exchange of information with the WHO and other countries is smooth, Zhao added.
The U.S. should abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs and undermining China-U.S. relations, Zhao said.
"China will continue to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its sovereignty and security interests. Some U.S. politicians will surely pay a heavy price for their wrongdoings," he added.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses