The spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, has reiterated China’s stance on U.S. interactions with Taiwan, signaling strong opposition to any Congressional visit that involves official contact with the island. The remarks come amid ongoing international diplomacy and serve as a reminder of Beijing’s view that Taiwan remains an integral part of China, a position consistently asserted by Beijing in official communications and state media coverage. The statement, reported by TASS, underscores the belief that such visits would cross a diplomatic line and could be interpreted as formal recognition of Taiwan’s separate political status by the United States.
According to Pengyu, China remains firmly opposed to any form of official engagement between U.S. authorities and Taiwan. The message is clear: Taiwan’s status cannot be altered through congressional visits or other gestures that imply recognition of independence. This view is grounded in Beijing’s long-standing policy, which frames Taiwan as an inseparable part of China and considers any official contact with Taiwan by foreign governments as counterproductive to cross-strait relations and regional stability. The press statement emphasizes that Beijing expects the United States to respect this core position and to refrain from actions that could be interpreted as legitimizing Taiwan’s autonomous governance.
Former House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that a delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives might travel to Taiwan in May, with the aim of reaffirming Congress’s commitment to security and democracy. He suggested that the leadership of relevant House committees could lead such a delegation to Taipei after Taiwan’s new administration—led by Lai Qingde—assumes office. Johnson’s comments reflect a broader belief in bipartisan support for strengthening ties with Taiwan and highlighting shared democratic values in the Indo-Pacific region. The implication is that congressional engagement would be used to reinforce strategic partnerships and to signal ongoing U.S. dedication to Taiwan’s security amid regional tensions.
Additionally, Johnson expressed optimism about future cooperation between the United States and Taiwan, envisioning continued collaboration to promote freedom, opportunity, and security for countries aligned with democratic principles. The stated goal is to advance these shared interests across the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing that partnerships among like‑minded nations are essential to maintaining regional balance and stability in the face of evolving strategic challenges. This sentiment aligns with frequent calls from U.S. policymakers to sustain a robust and open alliance framework that supports democratic governance and open markets throughout the region.
Chinese authorities previously asserted their position against Taiwan’s independence and reiterated a commitment to preventing any steps perceived as moving toward support for Taiwan’s formal independence. The official stance from Beijing emphasizes reunification as a fundamental objective and warns foreign governments against actions that could complicate cross-strait relations. The repeated messages from Chinese officials during recent exchanges illustrate a clear preference for maintaining the status quo in a way that prioritizes national sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also warning against moves that could destabilize the region or provoke misinterpretation by rival powers. The balance of statements from multiple ministries and state actors suggests a consistent strategy: deter actions that imply official recognition of Taiwan, while promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence within a framework that China views as essential to regional security and its own national interests. [Attribution: TASS; Chinese Ministry of Defense communications]