China is 'seriously concerned' about Donald Trump's latest Taiwan comments


President-elect Donald Trump hinted in an interview on Sunday that the U.S. might dismiss the "one China" policy, which recognizes Taiwan as part of China, not an independent nation.
"I fully understand the 'one China' policy," Trump said on Fox News Sunday, "but I don't know why we have to be bound by a 'one China' policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade."
But China doesn't see the policy, which has been in place for more than 35 years, as something that's up for debate. China's Foreign Ministry said it was "seriously concerned" by Trump's comments, CNN reported. "Adhering to the 'one China' principle is the political bedrock for the development U.S.-China relations," spokesman Geng Shuang said.
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Earlier this month, Trump angered Beijing when he accepted a congratulatory call from the Taiwanese president. Never a man to be scolded, Trump said in Sunday's interview that he doesn't want China "dictating" to him. "Why should some other nation be able to say I can't take a call?" he asked.
The state-run Global Times said Trump is "as ignorant as a child" with regards to foreign diplomacy. The publication also warned that, "in response to Trump's provocations, Beijing could offer support, even military assistance to U.S. foes."
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Jessica Hullinger is a writer and former deputy editor of The Week Digital. Originally from the American Midwest, she completed a degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington before relocating to New York City, where she pursued a career in media. After joining The Week as an intern in 2010, she served as the title’s audience development manager, senior editor and deputy editor, as well as a regular guest on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast. Her writing has featured in other publications including Popular Science, Fast Company, Fortune, and Self magazine, and she loves covering science and climate-related issues.
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