Mainland spokesperson condemns AUKUS' Taiwan statements

A Chinese mainland spokeswoman strongly condemned the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia for emphasizing Taiwan's role in the Indo-Pacific region, saying it was extremely dangerous to support "Taiwan independence" forces.

Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, urged those countries to abide by the one-China principle and their serious commitments to China and be cautious in dealing with the Taiwan question.

The US, the UK and Australia announced on Wednesday a new military partnership, which would provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarine technology to counter the Chinese mainland in the region.

The US and Australia on Thursday issued a joint statement that emphasized the role of Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific region and pledged to strengthen "ties" with the island.

Zhu said the military partnership among the three countries has seriously undermined regional peace and stability, and is contrary to commitments made by the countries in international mechanisms.

She said the practice was essentially driven by a Cold War zero-sum mentality, which was unpopular and against the trends of the times.

Zhu said the inclusion of the Taiwan region in the so-called Indo-Pacific strategy by the countries has gravely interfered with China's internal affairs.

"It has also violated the one-China principle and basic norms governing international relations, and undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits," she added.

Taiwan-related remarks by the US and Australia have once again exposed their long-standing misunderstanding on the Taiwan question and their insidious attempt to use the Taiwan question to contain China, she said.

Stressing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities are the biggest source of chaos undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, Zhu said "Preventing efforts at separatism is a necessary and just move to safeguard peace and stability."

"It was extremely dangerous for any foreign force to support 'Taiwan independence' forces," she added.

Zhu urged the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan to stop all separatist activities and stop colluding with foreign forces.

"No one should underestimate the strong resolve, determination and capability of the Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," she added.