China warns US on visits by Dalai Lama, Taiwan prez

The self-ruled, democratic island of Taiwan and the remote mountainous region of Tibet are two of China’s most sensitive political and diplomatic issues.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said both issues involved the “one China” policy, a basic diplomatic tenet referring to both Taiwan and Tibet being part of China that Beijing insists foreign governments recognise.

“I can responsibly tell you that on this issue the US government has made solemn promises, which is to uphold a one China policy,” Lu told a daily news briefing.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will transit in Miami on her way to Panama, one of the island’s few diplomatic allies, for the expansion ceremony of the Panama Canal and stopover in Los Angeles on her return, Taiwan deputy foreign minister Javier Ching-shan Hou said on Tuesday.

Her trip abroad from June 24 to July 2 will also include a state visit to another ally, Paraguay, the government said.

Travel abroad is sensitive for Taiwanese leaders who have angered China in the past because it is seen as exerting sovereignty.