'Oppose Taiwan's Independence': China's Wang Yi Tells Blinken Ahead Of Meet With President Xi

China has maintained firm stand on Taiwan and communicated the same to US State Secretary Antony Blinken ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping.

China maintains firm stand on Taiwan as Antony Blinken set to meet President Xi.

Beijing has asked the US to follow ‘One China’ policy and 'oppose' Taiwan’s independence in a strong message during the official visit of US State Secretary Antony Blinken, reported AFP. Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi and Blinken held bilateral talks on a range of issues in a bid to improve the severed ties between the two nations. China told the United States that the latter must choose between "cooperation or conflict". 

The meeting lasted for three hours at the ornate state guesthouse in the ancient Diaoyutai gardens, reported AFP citing a State Department official. The development comes ahead of the meeting of Blinken with Chinese President Xi Jinping on his second and final day of the visit to Beijing, AP reported citing State Department.

A meeting between Blinken and Xi had been expected, but neither side had confirmed it until just an hour before the talks, reported the Associated Press. The meeting is seen as key to the success of the trip.  

"The Secretary of State's trip to Beijing this time comes at a critical juncture in China-US relations," Wang told Blinken, according to a readout from Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, reported AFP. 

"It is necessary to make a choice between dialogue and confrontation, cooperation or conflict," he said. 

"We must reverse the downward spiral of China-US relations, push for a return to a healthy and stable track, and work together to find a correct way for China and the United States to get along," Wang added, as quoted by AFP. 

Making China’s stance clear on Taiwan, Wang reportedly told Blinken, "On this issue, China has no room to compromise or concede."   

"The United States must truly adhere to the One China principle confirmed in the three joint US-China communiques, respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and clearly oppose 'Taiwan independence'," he was quoted as saying by AFP. 

Blinken is the highest-level US official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office. His trip is also the first secretary-level visit to China in five years.  

 

Subscribe And Follow ABP Live On Telegram: https://t.me/officialabplive