A US official reiterated on Thursday Washington's opposition to China's "Anti-Secession" Law aimed at Taiwan, after France threw its support for the controversial legislation.
"France has the right to its position ... our view is the Anti-Secession Law is not helpful. If France has a different view then it is France's business," a State Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The official was reacting to French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin's statement during a visit to Beijing on Thursday that Paris had no objections to the Anti-Secession Law, appearing to put it at odds with the EU.
"The Anti-Secession Law is completely compatible with the position of France," Raffarin said in a press conference with his counterpart Wen Jiabao (
The law, adopted last month, gives China's military the legal basis to attack Taiwan if it moves towards independence. Washington says the legislation is not helpful and raises tensions, and opposes any attempts to unilaterally change the cross-strait status quo.
Deputy US State Department spokesman Adam Ereli declined to comment on Thursday on Raffarin's statement.
"I don't have any comment on what the French position is on the Anti-Secession Law. What I can talk about is our position. And I think we've made our position clear," he said.
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure
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