Chinese president Xi Jinping reportedly threatened President Joe Biden that “those who play with fire will perish by it” during a phone call in regard to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s upcoming trip to Taiwan.
“China firmly opposes separatist moves toward “Taiwan independence” and interference by external forces, and never allows any room for ‘Taiwan independence’ forces in whatever form,” Chinese state propaganda media quoted Xi as stating over the weekend. “The position of the Chinese government and people on the Taiwan question is consistent, and resolutely safeguarding China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the firm will of the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people. The public opinion cannot be defied.”
“Those who play with fire will perish by it. It is hoped that the US will be clear-eyed about this,” the Chinese president reportedly stated. “The US should honor the one-China principle and implement the three joint communiqués both in word and in deed.”
The article also claimed, “President Biden said that the world is at a critical moment. US-China cooperation benefits not only the two peoples but also people of all countries. The US hopes to keep an open line of communication with China to enhance mutual understanding and avoid misperception and miscalculation, and will work with China where the interests of the two countries align and, at the same time, properly manage differences.”
According to Chinese state media, Biden “reiterated that the one-China policy of the US has not changed and will not change, and that the US does not support “Taiwan independence.'”
Chinese state media previously indicated the Chinese Communist Party will view a potential fighter escort for her plane as an act of war and shoot down the aircraft.
Hu Xijin, who is a commentator for the state run Global Times, made the remarks on Twitter today after rumors continued to spread that Pelosi may visit Taiwan as part of her tour of Asia.
The columnist, convinced Pelosi’s aircraft would come with a military escort, warned that China’s People’s Liberation Army – which is loyal to the CCP, not the Chinese government – would “forcibly dispel” the aircraft.
