Chinese Foreign Ministry disagrees with US defense budget over Taiwan provisions

China expresses its strong disagreement with the 2023 defense budget signed by US President Joe Biden the day before, since, according to the Chinese side, it contains “a large number of negative provisions regarding Taiwan.” About it says in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

The Foreign Ministry called the law provocative, as it ignores the facts, and at the same time allows “interference in the internal affairs” of China and “attacks and vilification” of the Communist Party. “The Chinese people see very clearly the sinister intent of the United States to suppress and hold back the development of China and hinder the rebirth of the Chinese nation. Trying to drive a wedge between the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party will never succeed,” the statement said.

The foreign ministry also noted that the law contains a “large number” of negative provisions related to Taiwan, which violates the “one China” principle and previously signed joint Sino-US communiqués. The Chinese Foreign Ministry demanded that the US stop trying to contain China through the Taiwan issue.

“We urge the United States to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state in Bali, abandon the Cold War mentality, view China’s development and Sino-US relations objectively and rationally, and refrain from implementing negative provisions regarding China in related bills. China will take firm and resolute measures to protect its sovereignty, security and interests,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

December 23 at the White House reportedthat Biden signed on to the country’s $858 billion defense budget for the next fiscal year.

The situation in Taiwan escalated after the visit of Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to the island in early August 2022. The Chinese Foreign Ministry protested, and China also announced military exercises in Taiwan waters. Later, a delegation of US congressmen and Republican Senator Marsha Blackbear visited the island. The PRC said that such steps violate the “one China” principle.