Wang Yi on United States-Taiwan Relations
TL;DR
Wang Yi views US engagement with Taiwan as damaging the One China principle and interfering in China's internal affairs.
Key Points
In December 2016, Wang Yi characterized a phone call between the US President-elect and the Taiwanese President as a "petty trick by Taiwan" that should not alter the One China policy.
Following a high-level US Congressional visit to Taiwan in August 2022, he stated that the US proved itself the "biggest destroyer" of peace across the Taiwan Strait.
He consistently asserts that the One China policy is the cornerstone of healthy China-US relations and must not be interfered with or damaged.
Summary
Foreign Minister Wang Yi consistently frames United States-Taiwan relations through the lens of the One China principle, which Beijing regards as the political foundation of its relations with Washington. He strongly opposes any official interaction or military contact between the US and Taiwan, viewing such actions as violations of the principle and interference in China's internal affairs. This stance was clearly articulated when he dismissed a phone call between the US President-elect and the Taiwanese President as a "petty trick" intended to damage the foundational political understanding between the US and China. His position is rooted in the belief that the US must not challenge Beijing's assertion that Taiwan is an integral part of China.
Wang Yi's statements often imply that US policy shifts that deepen ties with Taipei risk provoking a crisis across the Taiwan Strait. When a high-level US official visited Taiwan, he reacted forcefully, declaring the US had become the "biggest destroyer" of regional peace and stability. This consistent line asserts that any perceived encouragement of 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces by the US will inevitably result in China taking necessary resolute measures, with all consequences to be borne by the US and the Taiwanese 'separatist forces.' He continues to articulate China's firm opposition to any external interference in the Taiwan question.
Key Quotes
We are against any forced, compelled, coercive change in the status of Taiwan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wang Yi's main objection is that increased United States engagement with Taiwan violates the One China principle. He views such interactions, especially high-level official or military contacts, as interference in China's internal affairs. He maintains that this principle is the non-negotiable political foundation for US-China relations.
Wang Yi publicly commented on the phone call between the then US President-elect and the Taiwanese President in December 2016. He dismissed the event as merely a "petty trick by Taiwan." More importantly, he stressed that the One China policy is the cornerstone of healthy China-US relations and must be preserved.
He has responded with strong condemnation, particularly after a significant visit in August 2022. During that incident, he declared that the United States had become the "biggest destroyer" of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He warned that the US would bear consequences for such actions.