The spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has said any interference with or damage to the ‘one-China’ principle would have a serious impact on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The remarks come after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump questioned Washington’s long-standing position that Taiwan is part of ‘one China.’

The spokesperson said upholding the ‘one-China’ principle is the political basis of developing China-U.S. relations, and the cornerstone of peace and stability in the Strait. He added that if this basis is interfered with or damaged then healthy, stable development of China-U.S. relations are out of the question. He also warned peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait would be seriously impacted.

China has repeatedly warned that hard-won stable relations across the narrow strait could be affected by any moves by Taiwan towards independence.  

“What I want to reiterate is that there’s only one China. The Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China,” said An Fengshan, spokesman, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

“It is a basic fact and the legal basis for cross-Strait relations, and it has never been and cannot be changed. It's also widely recognized by the international community. Our stance on opposing Taiwan independence is unswerving.”