The United States’ top representative in Taiwan has called on China to halt its military pressure and threats against the island and instead engage in direct talks with Taiwan’s leaders to reduce tensions and prevent misunderstandings.
Raymond Greene, who heads the American Institute in Taiwan and serves as the de facto US ambassador in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, said Washington’s long-standing position is to support cross-strait engagement and communication.
Speaking on a Taiwanese political talk show on Saturday (April 11), Greene was commenting on a recent visit by Taiwan’s opposition leader to China. He stressed that Beijing should maintain open channels with all political parties in Taiwan, particularly those elected by the Taiwanese people.
“We also expect China to maintain open communication channels with all of Taiwan’s political parties, especially the leaders elected by the Taiwanese people, in order to avoid misunderstandings and stabilise cross-strait relations,” Greene said in Mandarin.
He further urged Beijing to stop military intimidation, adding that reducing pressure would help ease tensions across the Taiwan Strait. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has not yet responded to the comments.
China continues to regard Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. Taiwan’s government, however, firmly rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
Tensions have remained high as Chinese military activity around Taiwan continues on a daily basis, even as political engagement with opposition figures has taken place, including meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders from Taiwan’s Kuomintang party.
Greene also noted that while the United States supports dialogue, it must be backed by strong deterrence.
He argued that sufficient defence capability would help create a more balanced environment for negotiations, saying that cross-strait differences can only be resolved through dialogue, coercion, or conflict.
