China denounces US senator's visit to Taiwan region

China has voiced strong opposition to a visit by US Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, to Taiwan, warning that the move undermines China's sovereignty and sends a dangerous signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday that Beijing firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the United States and Taiwan.

"The visit by a US lawmaker to the Taiwan region seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, harms China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and sends a gravely wrong message to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces," Guo said.

Guo stressed that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory.

"China demands that the US abide by the one-China principle and the three joint communiques, stop using any pretext to interfere in China's internal affairs, stop condoning and supporting 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, cease official exchanges with Taiwan, and stop creating tensions in the Taiwan Strait," Guo added.