The US on Thursday last week reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait during a second round of China-US maritime affairs consultations, the US Department of State said on Monday.
US Department of State China Coordinator and Deputy Assistant Secretary for China and Taiwan Mark Lambert met virtually with Chinese Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs Director-General Hong Liang (洪亮), the department said in a statement.
“The United States reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and shared deep concerns regarding People’s Liberation Army joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan,” it said.
Photo: Reuters
“The two sides discussed the current situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea, as well as other maritime issues,” the department said. “The United States raised concerns with the PRC’s [People’s Republic of China] dangerous and destabilizing actions interfering with other states’ exercise of high-seas freedoms of navigation and reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad alliance commitments and steadfast support for upholding the international law of the sea.”
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said that both countries agreed to maintain dialogue and manage risks.
Both sides exchanged views on the maritime situation, and agreed to maintain communication, and avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations, the ministry said.
Beijing expressed serious concern about the US’ infringement of and provocations in nearby waters, and urged Washington to refrain from intervening in disputes between China and its neighbors, or “use the sea to control China,” it said.
The US should immediately stop supporting and condoning “Taiwan independence” forces, the ministry added.
The US maintains direct interactions with Taiwan, including arms sales, which Beijing opposes.
China has also urged the US to not take sides in the South China Sea.
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