America showing support to the island nation in face of China’s threats.
Officials from the U.S. and Taiwan outlined plans Thursday for formal negotiations on a sweeping trade treaty.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s government criticized the planned talks as a violation of its stance that Taiwan has no right to foreign relations. Beijing told Washington not to encourage the island nation to try to make its de facto independence permanent and said such a step would lead to war.
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink stated on Thursday that U.S. policy had not changed, “what has changed is Beijing’s growing coercion.” He said, “These actions are part of an intensified pressure campaign… to intimidate and coerce Taiwan and undermine its resilience.” He called Beijing’s words and actions “deeply destabilizing,” adding, “They risk miscalculation and threaten the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Assistant Secretary of State Kritenbrink as he engages in diplomacy in East Asia.
- For Secretary of State Blinken to seek the Lord’s direction as he oversees diplomatic efforts around the world.
- For the president and his foreign policy advisors as they craft responses to China’s aggressive stance.
Sources: Axios, NY Times, CNN
