China Warns Taiwan’s Independence Efforts Will End in “Sad End” Amid US Support

A spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Binhua, warned on Wednesday that Taiwan’s pursuit of independence with the backing of the United States will ultimately result in a “sad end.” His statement came in response to Taiwan’s Chief Executive, Lai Ching-te, who had recently congratulated US Senator Mark Rubio on his appointment as Secretary of State in the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Rubio, a target of sanctions from Beijing, has been a vocal supporter of Taiwan.

Chen reiterated Beijing’s stance that no matter who holds positions in the new US government, Taiwan’s status as part of China will not change. He criticized Lai’s government, asserting that any attempt to secure independence with US assistance will only lead to Taiwan becoming a “victim” of its actions. Taiwan, which has been governed separately from mainland China since 1949, considers itself an autonomous nation with its own elected government. However, Beijing views the island as an integral part of China and opposes any foreign official relations with Taipei.