Chinese state media calls out Donald Trump's foreign policy 'inexperience' over Taiwan gaffe
US leaders have long respected the One China principle in international relations
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.China has blamed Donald Trump’s communication with the Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen on his foreign policy “inexperience”.
The China Daily, commonly regarded as a mouthpiece for Beijing, said: “For Trump, it exposed nothing but his and his transition team's inexperience in dealing with foreign affairs.”
But Mr Trump’s diplomatic gaffe – speaking with Ms Ing-wen and then tweeting about US military sales to Taiwan – has caused anger and uncertainty in Beijing.
The issue of Taiwan is a particularly sensitive one to the nationalistic Chinese government, which follows a ‘One China’ policy. Separate governance on the island, which calls itself the Republic of China, was established by nationalists led by Chiang Kai-shek in 1949 after the Communist party took control of the mainland.
But Beijing officials have maintained the territory is part of greater China and seek unification – potentially by force.
The US and most other countries have kept relations with Taiwan informal and low key in order to stay on good terms with the Beijing government. For Beijing, the One China principle underlines its approach to international affairs.
However, Mr Trump ended those diplomatic norms on Saturday after he tweeted:
Although China's displeasure was immediately obvious, the government and state media response has been measured, especially for such a sensitive issue.
The Daily acknowledged Mr Trump’s remarks came as a “striking move” but it did not “bear the same importance as it seems to be.”
And while Chinese officials will be issuing a formal diplomatic complaint to the US, Foreign Minister Wang Yi placed the focus of blame on Taiwanese leaders for playing a "small trick".
Mr Wang's comment "is intended to give time for Trump to back away from or desist from moves to elevate treatment of Taiwan," said Douglas Paal, a former director of the American Institute in Taiwan, which unofficially represents U.S. interests in Taipei.
He continued: "China will watch carefully to see what he does. But Taiwan will be seen as in need of some form of punishment."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments