China ‘has no room for compromise’ on Taiwan, official says

A spokesperson for China’s defense ministry said on Thursday that there is “no room for compromise” in regard to Taiwan. 

At a monthly news briefing, Wu Qian said it is imperative for China and the U.S. to have a good relationship but that the U.S. has overstepped multiple times regarding Taiwan, Reuters reported. 

“For a period of time, the U.S. side has said a lot of irresponsible things and done a lot of provocative things on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and close-up reconnaissance by warships and aircraft,” Wu said.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory, though the democratically run island has been self-governed for decades. The U.S. is one of Taiwan’s biggest international supporters. 

China was reportedly furious after the Biden administration invited Taiwan to the first-ever “Summit for Democracy” this week.

Wu said Thursday that anyone who supports Taiwan’s independence is “playing with fire,” according to Reuters. 

“Especially on the Taiwan issue, China has no room for compromise, and the U.S. side should not have any illusions about this,” he added.

Tensions have risen between China and Taiwan over the past few months, and both sides have ramped up military efforts. 

President Biden previously said the U.S. would defend Taiwan if China invaded, with the White House later walking back the comment.