Beijing on Wednesday urged Washington to stay out of the Solomon Islands' domestic affairs and respect its sovereignty.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that the US is in no position to make irresponsible remarks on the Pacific island country's decision to establish diplomatic ties with China based on the one-China policy.
"If the US side is really concerned about the Pacific Island countries, it should do more practical things that help to develop the island nations' economies and improve the livelihoods of their people, instead of wielding the stick of sanctions and flagrantly interrupting their domestic affairs," Geng said at a news conference in Beijing.
He made the remarks after US Vice-President Mike Pence reportedly cancelled plans to meet with the Solomon Islands prime minister to discuss development partnerships as the Pacific island severed official ties with Taiwan authorities.
"We urge the US side to respect other country's sovereign rights to decide their own internal and foreign affairs independently," Geng said.
He also said Washington should abide by the one-China policy and appropriately deal with Taiwan-related issues with caution to avoid damaging China-US relations and cross-Straits peace and stability.
