China rebukes Marco Rubio’s Taiwan accusations, calls for dialogue

China has vocally condemned recent comments made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, characterizing them as steeped in Cold War mentality and filled with inaccuracies. The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an integral part of it, condemning U.S. support for Taiwan's independence as a distortion of the one-China principle. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the ministry, warned that the Taiwan issue is the most sensitive topic in U.S.-China relations and advised the U.S. to avoid actions that could provoke conflict. Additionally, Lin criticized U.S. trade policies, alleging that they politicize economic issues and harm both countries' interests. China has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue to address mutual concerns but will take necessary measures to protect its rights. The remarks come amid rising tensions over various geopolitical issues, including trade and COVID-19 origins.