On August 2, in disregard of China’s strong opposition and serious representations, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited China’s Taiwan region. Pelosi’s visit wantonly tramples on the one-China principle and the three Joint Communiqués between China and the US, severely undermines the political foundation of China-US relations, seriously undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, greatly threatens peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and has aroused strong indignation among the Chinese people and widespread opposition from the international community. 

It proves once again that some US politicians have become "troublemakers" of China-US relations, and that the United States has become the "biggest destroyer" of peace across the Taiwan Strait and for regional stability. China has made it clear many times that we are firmly opposed to Pelosi’s visit. And we made it clear that once the visit is made, it would be a serious violation of the one-China principle and grave infringement on China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. China will definitely take strong and resolute measures in response and all consequences shall be borne by the US side. So do not say that we have not said in advance about the consequences of this incident.

There is but one China in the world, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The Chinese military drills in the waters off the Taiwan Island are a necessary and legitimate measure to uphold China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a necessary and legitimate countermeasure against the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and foreign interference. China’s competent authorities have issued safety alerts and travel warnings in advance. What we have done is consistent with international law and international practices.

That the Taiwan Strait situation has ended up like this is fundamentally caused by the US connivance at House Speaker Pelosi to visit China’s Taiwan region in disregard of China’s strong opposition and serious representations. The US made a malicious provocation first, and China has been compelled to act in self-defense. The host of measures China is taking and will take are necessary, timely countermeasures that are defensive in nature which have gone through serious consideration and careful assessment, and they’re aimed at protecting our nation’s sovereignty and security. They are consistent with international law and domestic laws. They are a warning to the provocateurs and also aimed at protecting regional stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait. The world sees this very clearly. Over 100 countries spoke up soon after the visit took place, stressing the importance of upholding the one-China principle and expressing support for China’s efforts to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, and no other country, including the US, is entitled to act as a judge on the Taiwan question. The one-China principle is a red line and bottom line that cannot be crossed. On issues concerning sovereignty and territorial integrity, there is no room for China to compromise or concede. All parties need to clearly recognize the cause and nature of the current crisis, jointly oppose the recklessness and the provocation of the US, continue to support China’s just position and measures and jointly protect regional and cross-Strait peace.