Song Tao urges US to oppose Taiwan independence
On.cc · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, met a delegation led by Susan Elliott, president and chief executive of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, in Beijing on Tuesday, October 20. During the meeting, Song said China and the United States should implement the important consensus reached by their leaders, and he expressed hope that Washington would abide by the one-China principle, oppose Taiwan independence and support China’s reunification. He also said Beijing would promote cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges, deepen integration across sectors, crack down on separatist forces advocating Taiwan independence, oppose external interference, and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The US side said sustained US-China communication is crucial and that cross-strait exchanges, cooperation and integration are conducive to peace and stability in the region.
Key Points
- Song Tao met Susan Elliott’s delegation in Beijing on Tuesday, October 20, in his capacity as head of the party and state offices handling Taiwan affairs.
- Song said President Xi Jinping had recently made a state visit to the United States and had set out Beijing’s principled position on Taiwan
- He urged the US to handle Taiwan-related issues prudently, uphold the one-China principle, oppose Taiwan independence and support China’s reunification.
- Song said Beijing would expand cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges, deepen integration, resist external interference and act against separatist forces
- The National Committee on American Foreign Policy delegation returned to China after 10 months, and earlier visited Shanghai and Fudan University for discussions on bilateral ties, Taiwan, US midterm elections, multilateral cooperation and Asia-Pacific developments
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the meeting offers another indication that Taiwan remains a central issue in US-China relations and that official messaging on cross-strait stability continues to be tied to broader bilateral engagement. The emphasis on dialogue, exchanges and strategic stability also matters because shifts in US-China ties can affect regional political sentiment and the wider operating environment for Hong Kong.