The one-China principle is the universal consensus of the international community, the Chinese foreign ministry reaffirmed on Monday.

Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen was trying to confuse the international community, defraud sympathy, and look for an excuse for "Taiwan independence" in disguise of democracy.

He was referring to Tsai transiting the U.S., despite China's firm opposition, and making a speech in New York on cross-Strait relations, while on her way to the Caribbean.

Read more:

China warns U.S. 'not to play with fire' regarding Taiwan

China lodges stern representations with U.S. over Tsai Ing-wen's stopovers

Geng warned that Tsai's dependence on support from the West will result in a loss of dignity and is destined to be a dead end. 

The U.S. State Department has said the administration's "one-China" policy remains unchanged.