US diplomat accuses China of ‘choking’ Chinese Taipei

The top US diplomat in Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) accused China of “destabilizing” the Asia-Pacific region and threatening “all democracies.”

Sandra Oudkirk, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan which handles relations in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, claimed on Wednesday night China was making “provocative” military moves near the island.

She said managing US differences with China faces "distinct challenges,” and claimed that Beijing has undermined regional peace while vowing to “strengthen” security ties with Taipei.

"The PRC's increasingly aggressive behaviour is nowhere more evident than in relation to Taiwan, where the PRC has continued to exert military, diplomatic, and economic pressure," she said, referring to the People's Republic of China, in remarks released by her office on Thursday.

"The PRC's provocative military activities near Taiwan are destabilising, risk miscalculation, and undermine regional peace and stability," Oudkirk added, at the event also attended by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.

"Continued efforts by Beijing to choke Taiwan's international space, pressure its friends, and interfere in Taiwan's democratic system represent a threat to all democracies."

China has sovereignty over Chinese Taipei, and under the "One China" policy, almost all world countries recognize that sovereignty. The US, too, recognizes Chinese sovereignty over the island but has long courted Taipei in an attempt to unnerve Beijing.

Beijing also opposes other countries pursuing ties with the self-ruled island and has consistently warned against foreign engagement with Chinese Taipei.

Back in October, US President Joe Biden said the United States would come to Taipei's aid if it were to come under attack from China, claiming it had a commitment to defend the self-ruled island. China blasted the statement, accusing Washington of meddling in Chinese internal affairs.

ME