Vice-Foreign Minister urges U.S. to respect China's sovereignty

Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, on Thursday, held a phone call with the United States Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, urging the U.S. to effectively respect China's sovereignty, security and development interests.

The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations, Ma said, adding that "Taiwan independence" would lead to a dead end while indulging and supporting "Taiwan independence" would ultimately backfire.

The U.S. should fully recognize the nature of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan to seek "Taiwan independence" and the serious harm they pose to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, he said.

He urged the U.S. to adhere to the three China-U.S. joint communiques, cease arming the island and translate its commitment not to support "Taiwan independence" into concrete actions.

Xizang-related issues concern China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Ma said, adding that the U.S. should stop endorsing the "Xizang independence" forces in any form and refrain from interfering in China's internal affairs.

Regarding the South China Sea, he said the current tension at Ren'ai Reef lies in that the Philippines breaches common understandings with China and challenges its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He pointed out that Manila persists in transporting large quantities of construction materials to the illegally grounded warship in an attempt to permanently occupy the Ren'ai Reef.

He called for Washington to stop condoning and supporting Philippine provocations and disturbances, and take practical actions to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Noting how China maintains an objective and just position on the Ukraine issue, Ma said the U.S. should stop leveling groundless accusations against, as well as smearing and shifting blame onto China.

The U.S. should also cease obstructing normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Russia, he added.

While expressing firm opposition to U.S.' arbitrary imposition of illegal unilateral sanctions and extraterritorial jurisdiction, Ma said China would steadfastly uphold the legitimate rights and interests of its entities and individuals.