China reprimands US over Taiwan meeting

China has reprimanded the United States for hosting the head of Taiwan's opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which is known for its advocacy of Taiwan independence. DPP chair Tsai Ing-wen recently concluded a US visit during which she was received for a meeting at the State Department headquarters. "The move went against the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and harmed peaceful development of cross-Strait ties," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a regular press conference Wednesday. Complaining that the meeting "sent a wrong signal to the island's separatist forces," Ma urged the United States to adhere to the one-China principle and oppose Taiwan independence. "We firmly oppose any person engaging in any form of Taiwan independence separatist activities in the international arena," he said. Tsai discussed cross-Strait relations during her US visit but -- according to Ma -- failed to make clear what her stance was on the issue. "People of both sides need a clear answer from the DPP," Ma said. "The Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to one China and cross-Strait ties are not relations between countries," he added, before warning, "Once the foundation is shaken, peaceful development of cross-Strait relations will be no longer maintained."