Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has issued a warning to the United States, demanding America take the blame for the recent spy balloon incident and abandon its unofficial international ally, Taiwan.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had initially condemned the Biden administration for shooting down the balloon after it crossed the continental U.S. Now it has accused the Biden administration of misuse of military force and violation of customary international practice and the International Civil Aviation Covenant.
Wang is demanding that the U.S. accept responsibility for the incident and take steps to repair the damage caused to China-US relations. He also used the opportunity to boast of China’s supposed constructive role in promoting peace in Ukraine, which has been going on for almost a year.
#China Demands U.S. Abandon Taiwan and Apologize for Shooting Down Spy Balloon https://t.co/6K3N3CyNjQ
— Matrix Memez 🎩 (@MatrixMemez) February 20, 2023
Wang accused the U.S. of illegal surveillance, saying that the U.S. had flown balloons over China multiple times. He added that the U.S. is in no position to smear China, claiming abrasively that if the U.S. continues to escalate the situation, China will respond by doing “whatever is necessary,” with all consequences arising from that to be borne by the U.S.
To maintain stability across the Taiwan Strait, Wang stressed that Taiwan’s independence must be firmly opposed, and the one-China principle must be credibly followed. Wang accused the U.S. of not respecting history and facts and not abiding by political commitments. The U.S. State Department opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side and does not support Taiwan’s independence.
This statement comes after a recent engagement between Wang and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tangential to the Munich Security Conference. During that engagement, Wang reiterated China’s position on the balloon incident and accused the U.S. of violating customary international practice. He also called on the U.S. to work towards a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis rather than fanning the flames or profiteering from the situation.
The weakness of the Biden administration’s Chinese foreign policy is apparent in the CCP’s continuing aggressive behavior toward America’s geopolitical interests. With China continuing to expand its influence and power, the Biden administration must find the strength to take a stronger stance if it hopes to counter Chinese geopolitical aggression.
