China issued an ominous warning to the United States on Tuesday over its support for Taiwan as Beijing continues to claim it as its own territory.
Chinese state-run news outlet Global Times said in an op-ed piece that Taiwanese troops attended U.S. military exercises in Michigan last month, writing: “The Chinese mainland has never promised to renounce the use of force, and this is the Sword of Damocles hanging over the US government and Taiwan authorities.”
“The US keeps arming Taiwan by selling a large number of weapons and equipment to Taiwan and encouraging Taiwan to ‘reject reunification with force,’ a move that aims to incite tensions across the Straits and will inevitably exacerbate the tension between China and the US which may lead to a conflict,” the op-ed said.
The remarks by the Global Times come amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over Taiwan. China believes that Taiwan is its territory, and the U.S. has an “unofficial relationship” with Taiwan while supporting a One-China policy. Last month, the Associated Press reported that the U.S. approved a military transfer worth $80 million to Taiwan.
NHK Japan first reported that Taiwan soldiers were present at military exercises in Michigan citing anonymous sources. When reached for comment, the Michigan National Guard directed Newsweek to a statement from a Department of Defense spokesperson, who could not confirm the reporting from NHK Japan.
“We don’t have a comment on specific operations, engagements, or training, but I would highlight that our support for, and defense relationship with, Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People’s Republic of China.
Our commitment to Taiwan is rock-solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region,” the DOD spokesperson.
“As you know, the United States has a longstanding one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint U.S.-PRC Communiques, and the Six Assurances. Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States makes available to Taiwan defense articles and services necessary to enable it to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.”
