China vows ‘strong measures’ in response to Taiwan vice president’s US visit

WORLD, Aug 13 (YPA) – China said on Sunday it is “closely monitoring” Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai’s visit to the United States these days, vowing to take “firm and strong measures” in response to the visit.

“China is closely monitoring the development of the situation and will take firm and vigorous measures to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity”,  the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said in a press release on Sunday.

Earlier, Taiwan announced that Lai was heading to Paraguay to participate in the inauguration of its new president, and his trip includes a round-trip stop in New York and San Francisco from August 12 to 16.

Before leaving Taiwan, Lai expressed enthusiasm to meet “American friends” during the trip.

“China firmly opposes any form of official contact between the United States and Taiwan, and firmly opposes any separatists who support Taiwan independence from traveling to the United States”, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China said.

“The United States and Taiwan have agreed to allow William Lai to carry out political activities in the United States under the pretext of transit. what “seriously undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” he noted.

E.M