A mainland spokesperson said on Thursday that the Taiwan question is "the most important issue in China-U.S. relations." 

During a press conference held by the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, a reporter asked how the Office understands Chinese President Xi Jinping's statement regarding the Taiwan question during his recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Spokesperson Chen Binhua answered that Xi's statement clarified China's solemn position on the Taiwan question and provided fundamental guidance for their work relevant to Taiwan.

Chen emphasized that the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.

Chen said Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have repeatedly attempted to seek "Taiwan independence" by relying on external forces, and through the use of force, leading to tension and turbulence across the Taiwan Strait. 

Chen urged the U.S. to strictly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and handle Taiwan-related issues with the utmost prudence.

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