By sending around 200 troops to Taiwan to provide military training, Washington has gone even farther in walking back on the promises it has made on the question of Taiwan.
Abiding by the one-China principle is the foundation of bilateral relations between China and the United States, and was also the promise the US government made when the two countries established diplomatic relations.
It was made clear in the three joint communiques that the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government of China and the US acknowledged the PRC's position that Taiwan is part of China. Even today, Washington still declares that it acknowledges that there is only one China, and Taiwan is part of China, and it never supports "Taiwan independence".
However, what it is saying is one thing, and what it has been doing is another thing. Washington has increased the frequency and scale of arms sales to Taiwan in recent years, which is obviously an act of backpedaling on what it has promised in the three joint communiques.
What is worth noting is the fact that secessionists in Taiwan are doing whatever they can to make it a fait accompli that the island is an "independent country".
The Chinese mainland has been trying to realize a peaceful reunification with the island, but it will take back the island through the use of military force if necessary.
The frequent sale of arms, the visits by US politicians, including those in government positions, and even one by the speaker of the House of Representatives last year, as well as the latest move of sending troops to provide military training, all send the wrong message to secessionists on the island. Which are making relations across the Taiwan Strait even more complicated and escalating tensions.
Should these Taiwan secessionists make a miscalculation by taking it for granted that they have the support of the US for their maneuvers for "Taiwan Independence", Washington will certainly be to blame for precipitating the worst-case scenario.
What the US has been doing with regard to Taiwan has been steadily eroding the foundation for bilateral relations between the two countries.
Taiwan is a core interest of China. Washington is infringing upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China by sending troops to the island, and the consequences would be disastrous as far as the bilateral relations as well as the regional situation are concerned.
Washington should never underestimate the resolve of the Chinese mainland and the capability of its People's Liberation of Army to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Washington should be mindful of bilateral ties being damaged beyond repair. That will be disastrous not only to regional security but also to that of the world.
