The Chinese president also affirmed that Washington “should not intervene in bilateral disputes (…) and not tolerate or support provocative actions» in the South China Sea, while the United States is an important ally of Taiwan.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the United States not to cross the “red line» in their support for Taiwan, during a meeting with Joe Biden on Saturday in Lima, on the sidelines of a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (Apec).
He claimed that “the Taiwan question, democracy and human rights» as well as the Chinese political and economic system and its development interests »are China's four red lines that must not be questioned“, reported Chinese state television CCTV.
«These are the most important safeguards and safety net for China-US relations“, added Mr. Xi according to CCTV. He condemned the “separatist actions» of the leaders of Taiwan by believing that they were “incompatible with peace and security» in the region.
Washington in bilateral disputes
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has said it will not rule out the use of force to bring the island back under its control. In recent years, it has increased its military pressure by sending warplanes, drones and ships around the island almost daily. The United States is Taiwan's main security supporter, even though it does not diplomatically recognize the island.
During his meeting with Joe Biden, Xi Jinping also affirmed that Washington “should not intervene in bilateral disputes (…) and not tolerate or support provocative actions» in the South China Sea, according to CCTV.
Beijing claims, for historical reasons, its sovereignty over almost all of the uninhabited reefs and islets in the South China Sea, ignoring a 2016 international court ruling according to which its claims have no legal basis.
The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia have rival claims in this maritime zone with high commercial and strategic stakes. The situation has worsened in recent months. Several episodes of violence pitted Chinese ships on one side and Vietnamese and Filipino ships on the other.
