?One-China principle is the bedrock of political foundation of China-U.S. relations: Chinese FM

(ECNS) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stressed on Monday that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests and the one-China principle is the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. "If the foundation is shaken, whatever above it cannot stand," she said.

According to media reports, the Chinese military has conducted drills near the Taiwan Strait. This was regarded as something to do with the U.S. State Department's recent revisions to the statements on its Taiwan policy on its website and "Taiwan independence" forces' unconscionable acts.

Mao said that the U.S. has recently taken a series of wrong steps on the Taiwan question. In particular, the U.S. State Department removed important statements that show the U.S. is committed to the one-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence" in the fact sheet of its so-called relations with Taiwan on the website, which shows the U.S. gravely backpedaled on its position on Taiwan-related issues.

She pointed out this is an egregious example of the U.S.'s intention of using Taiwan to contain China, and its move to abet and aid "Taiwan independence", which sends a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

China's relevant military operation is necessary, lawful and legitimate in order to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, she noted. It's a firm response to external forces who are hellbent on abetting and aiding "Taiwan independence", and a warning to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces' unconscionable acts.

The spokesperson stressed that "Taiwan independence" and cross-Strait peace and stability are as irreconcilable as fire and water. The pursuit of "Taiwan independence" will lead nowhere.

"Those who attempt to use Taiwan to contain China will get burned for playing with fire. We urge the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, honor the solemn commitment made by U.S. administrations on the Taiwan question, stop crossing the line and making provocations, handle the Taiwan question with extra prudence, and avoid further severe damage to China-U.S. relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," she concluded.

By Zhao Li