In a highly significant development in China-US relations, Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng emphasized the utmost sensitivity and importance of the Taiwan question during his speech at the Aspen Security Forum. He urged the US to firmly prevent the so-called transit of Taiwan separatist William Lai Ching-te through the country, comparing the situation to a “grey rhino” charging towards China.
Xie stressed the need for the US to adhere to President Joe Biden’s commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence” and to respect the one-China principle. He underscored the significance of abiding by the three joint communiqués between China and the US and consistently opposing any actions or statements that provoke “Taiwan independence” sentiments.
Highlighting Taiwan’s status as an inseparable part of China’s territory, Xie expressed China’s desire for peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and a hope for peaceful reunification. However, he pointed to two primary threats to the region’s peace and stability. First, he cited the pursuit of independence by Taiwan’s DPP authorities with reliance on the US, which includes their refusal to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus and their distancing from Chinese identity. Second, he warned of certain US forces encouraging a strategy of using Taiwan to contain China, and supporting risky “Taiwan independence” provocations.
Ambassador Xie acknowledged the current challenges facing China-US relations but noted some recent positive developments, including high-level exchanges and constructive communications. He emphasized the importance of implementing the consensus reached between the heads of state during their meeting in Bali to stabilize bilateral relations.
To move forward, Xie proposed several measures for the US to strengthen China-US ties. He urged reducing the negative list, removing obstacles, managing differences, and handling sensitive issues like the Taiwan question in accordance with the three China-US joint communiqués. He also called for an end to sanctions against Chinese entities and individuals and preventing “black swan” and “grey rhino” events from disrupting relations.
Moreover, Xie advocated extending the positive list, enhancing dialogue, and fostering cooperation in areas like scientific collaboration, educational exchange, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Highlighting concerns within American society, Xie noted that many people support the development of China-US relations but feel hesitant to speak out due to the “chilling effect” and the prevailing “anti-China chorus.” He emphasized the importance of finding and engaging those who support closer China-US ties to promote mutual understanding and cooperation.
Regarding the ongoing trade and technology tensions, Xie stated that while China embraces fair competition, the US has deprived China of the opportunity to compete, citing the example of the Huawei ban. He also criticized the US for rallying allies against China, leading to a lack of basic fairness in competition.
Ambassador Xie called for mutual respect and understanding between China and the US, emphasizing that China does not seek to challenge or replace any country but instead aims to improve itself. He stressed the importance of moving beyond Cold War thinking and seeking cooperative win-win scenarios to prevent major power conflict, emphasizing a peaceful and cooperative future for China.