China opposes the US Senate bill promoting Taiwan ties

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‍For two days in a row, China has expressed its firm opposition to the US promoting ties with Taiwan, an island region to the southeast of the Chinese mainland.

The response came following the passing of the Taiwan Travel Act Bill, which was recently passed unanimously by the US Senate. The Act encourages visits between US and Taiwan functionaries at all levels.

Typical Taiwan shopping street scene at night /VCG Photo

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying reaffirmed that the one-China Policy is the political foundation for the Sino-US relationship during a daily press briefing.

"China resolutely opposes it (the act), and has already lodged stern representation with the US side," Hua said. "We hope the US side could prudently and properly deal with issues related to Taiwan so that China-US ties won't be severely interfered and damaged."

Hua urged the US to keep its commitment to the one-China policy and the three China-US Joint Communiqués.

In the China-US three Joint Communiqués signed in the 1970s and 1980s, the US clearly states that “there is but one China and Taiwan is a part of China.”

Just a day ago, another Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, An Fengshan, said the Chinese mainland opposes any form of official or military contact between the US and Taiwan.

China announced a series of new measures on Wednesday, which grant the people of Taiwan equal treatment to mainlanders when studying, working and living in the mainland.

Taiwanese compatriots would be allowed to enroll in 53 professional and technical occupation qualification examinations. The announcement also covered 81 personnel occupation qualification examinations which Taiwan people could also participate in.

The Taiwan Travel Act was passed by the US House of Representatives in January, as the Senate did on Wednesday, without opposition. Now the bill only requires Trump's signature to be signed into law.

(Top image: File photo)