Beijing's 'priority is to stop Taiwan's VP and presidential frontrunner's trip to US next month: China's ambassador to Washington

China warns about a planned visit to the United States by the vice president and presidential frontrunner of Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), saying Beijing's priority is to stop such a provocative move.

China's ambassador to Washington, Xie Feng, said Wednesday that "the priority for us is to stop Lai Ching-te from visiting the United States, which is like a grey rhino charging at us," Xie said, using William Lai's Chinese language name.

A "grey rhino" event refers to a highly obvious yet ignored threat.

"Taiwan is China's Taiwan," the Chinese envoy said, adding that the country wanted a peaceful "reunification," but Taiwanese "separatists" were advancing their agenda, seeking US support.

"They even do not admit they are Chinese. So this is a very dangerous path they are taking," Xie said, reassuring that provocative moves by Taiwan "separatists" should be contained.

Lai, Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate, is scheduled to make a stopover in the United States on his way to and from the inauguration of Paraguay’s president on August 15.

China has sovereignty over Chinese Taipei, and under the "One China" policy, and almost all world countries recognize that sovereignty.

According to the principle, Taiwan is subject to Chinese sovereignty and Beijing is the sole representative of all China.

China strongly opposes other countries pursuing official and diplomatic ties with Taipei and has consistently warned the US and other states against engaging with the self-proclaimed government in island.

Washington has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan by law, but remains the island’s largest weapons supplier and a staunch supporter of Taiwan's secessionist President Tsai Ing-wen.

Vice president Lai is now running to succeed Tsai at Taiwan's presidential election in January. He is currently leading in most opinion polls.

China slams Taiwan presidential hopeful’s planned ‘sneaky visit’ to US, vows ‘forceful' reaction

China blasts planned “sneaky visit” to the US of self-ruled Taiwan’s “separatist” presidential front-runner, vowing “forceful measures” in response.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Monday that the government had already lodged a diplomatic complaint with Washington about his stopovers.

"China will pay close attention to the development of the situation and take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," she said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, however, explained Lai's transit as "routine" and consistent with past practice. He said there is no reason for China "to use this transit as a pretext for provocative actions."

Ten Taiwanese vice presidents, including Lai himself, have traveled via the United States.

According to Taiwan's presidential office, Lai would arrive in Paraguay on August 14. The government has provided no details on Lai's US transit though.

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