China asks US not to let Taiwan President Tsai transit through America

Beijing: China on Friday asked the US not to allow Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to "transit" through America in compliance with the "one China" policy.

Tsai, who is on a tour of four Caribbean nations, arrived in New York on Thursday and is expected to spend two days in the city. On her way back, she is expected to stop in Denver.

China, asserts that estranged province of Taiwan is part of the mainland under the "one-China" policy. Beijing hardened its stance over Taiwan ever since Tsai, a firm advocate of Taiwan's independence from China, came to power in 2016.

The US has said there had been no change in its "one-China" policy, under which Washington officially recognises Beijing and not Taipei.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang also reiterated Beijing's firm opposition to any country establishing diplomatic and military ties with the island under the "one-China" policy.

"We urge the US side to abide by the 'one-China' principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiques, not to allow the Taiwan leader to 'transit,' refraining from sending any wrong signal to the 'Taiwan independence' force," Geng said. China has made clear its position many times and lodged stern representations with the US over the so-called stopovers made by Tsai, Geng said. He expressed hope that the US could properly handle related issues so as to avoid harming peace and stability in the region.