Battle over Taiwan: China Warns US Not to 'Play with Fire' After US Support
- On Wednesday, April 14, United States president Joe Biden travelled to Taiwan, signalling his support for the independence and democracy of the island
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian asked the US to immediately stop any form of communication with Taiwan officials so as not to stabilise peace on the island
- Washington and Beijing had traded barbs since January when Biden was sworn as the 46th US president
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!
The hot and cold diplomatic relations between the United States and China have intensified after Washington vowed to support Taiwan while bypassing Beijing.
Source: Getty Images
This was after the US moved to ease restrictions that prohibited its officials from meeting with their Taipei counterparts despite China laying claim to it.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian asked the US to not 'play with fire' and immediately stop any form of communication with Taiwan officials so as not to stabilise peace on the island, Al Jazeera reported.
On Wednesday, April 14, United States president Joe Biden sent an unofficial delegation to Taiwan, signalling his support for the independence and democracy of the island from China.
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the powerful nation is committed to defending the democratic self-governed island.
Xavier Chang, the spokesman for Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen, confirmed the visit.
"Once again this visit demonstrates the firm relationship between Taiwan and the United States,” Chang stated.
Even as the US tried to deepen its relations with Taiwan, over 20 Chinese warplanes have entered the Taiwan defence zone.
According to Bloomberg, China deployed 14 J-16 and four J-10 fighters, four H-6K bombers, two Y-8 anti-sub warfare planes and one KJ-500, its biggest drill to be witnessed in 2021.
Even though Beijing claims its own Taipei, the island had governed itself since 1949.
Washington and Beijing had traded barbs since January when Biden was sworn in as the 46th US president.
Following insurrection that was witnessed at the US Capitol on January 6 and recent security threats reported by the FBI, the Secret Service appears to have advised Joe Biden to wear a bulletproof vest during his inauguration.
Briefly News has examined pictures of Biden captured during the Wednesday, January 20, event and can authoritatively report there is a high likelihood the new president donned a body armour under his suit.
Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!
Source: Briefly News
