China issues another threat at Trump and is ready to "take off the gloves." (Photo : Getty Images)
China, through its state media, warned that the country will "take the gloves off" if President Donald Trump insists on breaking its support from the One China policy.
China Daily wrote, "If Trump is determined to use this gambit on taking office, a period of fierce, damaging interactions will be unavoidable, as Beijing will have no choice but to take off the gloves."
According to Lu Kang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the One China policy is "non-negotiable." Washington had only maintained unofficial ties with Taiwan since 1979.
In a statement, Lu said, "The government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing China. That is the fact acknowledged by the international community and no one can change."
Trump also said in an interview that "everything is under negotiation, including 'One China.'"
The statement made by Trump indicated that the President is still not convinced that the policy is untouchable.
The interview is the latest indication that Trump could shake up the U.S.-China relationship, particularly on Taiwan, which China considers a core national interest.
Trump then said in a television interview that he didn't feel "bound by a One China policy unless we make a deal with China having to do with other things, including trade."
China sees the One China policy as a sensitive issue and the core of its bilateral relations with the U.S.
Reince Priebus, Trump's incoming chief of staff, said that "there are no plans to change the One China policy."
"But certainly that policy is on the table if China doesn't also come to the table and work with us on trade, work with us on the South China Sea and what's happening there," Priebus added.
