China on Thursday criticized a high-level visit to Taiwan by a US envoy, saying it will encourage “separatist forces” on the island.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters that “China strongly opposes” the visit of Undersecretary Keith Krach as it “will encourage the arrogant attitude of the separatist forces for Taiwan independence.”
The US State Department says Krach was sent to Taipei to attend a memorial service for the late President Lee Teng-hui on Saturday.
But his visit to the island, which China claims as an indivisible part of the mainland, comes as the two superpowers look at each other over trade, technological dominance, security and human rights.
Krach’s visit “seriously violates the One China Principle … and damages US-China relations and the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait,” Wang said, citing the view that the island is part of his territory. .
He warned that Beijing will provide “a necessary response”, without elaborating.
Last month, US Cabinet Member and Chief of Health Alex Azar visited him to highlight Taiwan’s widely praised efforts to stop Covid-19.
.
