Beijing: China reiterated its stance on Taiwan, declaring it "never a country" following Taiwan's recent assertions of sovereignty and independence. In a regular news conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized that the pursuit of Taiwan independence, especially with external support, is a "dead end." Guo stated, "Cross-strait reunification is the only bright path forward," and urged Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party to acknowledge the prevailing trend and abandon what he termed as the wrong path.

According to Anadolu Agency, the remarks come in response to Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te's declaration on Sunday that Taiwan will not be "sacrificed or traded away." Lai highlighted the importance of US weapons sales to Taiwan and the strengthening of Taiwan-US security cooperation as essential elements for maintaining regional peace and stability. Guo reiterated China's firm opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan, describing the Chinese mainland and Taiwan as part of "one and the same China," which he claims is the actual status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

The tensions are further complicated by US President Donald Trump's recent remarks on Fox News, where he expressed a desire for Taiwan and China to "cool down" amidst escalating tensions. Guo accused the Lai Ching-te authorities of colluding with external forces to seek independence and attempting to internationalize the Taiwan issue, labeling them as the primary disruptors of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The long-standing disagreement between China and Taiwan stems from China's view of Taiwan as a breakaway province, a claim that Taiwan has resisted since 1949.