BEIJING, January 12 (INP): China rejected and condemned the U.S's recent move lifting "self-imposed restrictions on the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.

A spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Zhao Lijian said here at a news briefing that

there is but one China in the world. The People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. This is a fact recognized by the international community and a basic norm of international relations.

He added, "U.S. government made a solemn commitment to the Chinese side on the question of Taiwan. The China-US Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, released on December 16, 1978, clearly stipulates that

"The United States of America recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China.

Within this context, the people of the United States will maintain cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan." The United States should honor its commitment and not misinterpret or deviate from it under any pretext.

The so-called "Taiwan Relations Act" severely violates the one-China principle, the three China-US joint communiqués and basic norms of international relations. The Chinese government is firmly opposed to it right from the start.

It is the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués that the United States should abide by when it comes to issues relating to Taiwan, not the unilaterally-concocted "Taiwan Relations Act".

The Chinese people is firmly determined to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will never allow anyone or any force to stand in the way of national reunification or to meddle in China's domestic affairs with Taiwan as a pretext. Actions that harm China's core interests are futile and will be met with resolute responses.

The Taiwan question remains the most important and sensitive issue at the core of China-U.S. relations. The one-China principle is the political foundation of bilateral relations and the precondition for establishing and developing diplomatic relations.

We urge the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués and stop elevating relations and military ties with Taiwan.

We advise Mr. Pompeo and his likes to recognize the historical trend, stop manipulating Taiwan-related issues, stop retrogressive acts and stop going further down the wrong and dangerous path, otherwise they will be harshly punished by history.

As to the remarks mentioned by an official with Mr. Biden's transition team, China urges the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, stop official exchanges and military ties with Taiwan, and properly handle Taiwan-related issues."

INP/javed