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."