White House reaffirms ‘One China’ policy after Trump calls Taiwan leader

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China's President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with US President Barack Obama before the G20 leaders' family photo in Hangzhou on Sept 4, 2016. AFP Photo

China’s President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with US President Barack Obama before the G20 leaders’ family photo in Hangzhou on Sept 4, 2016. AFP Photo

WASHINGTON: The White House reaffirmed Friday its backing for the policy that recognizes Beijing as the sole government of “One China” after President-elect Donald Trump risked Chinese ire by calling the leader of Taiwan, in a break with US norms.

“There is no change to our longstanding policy on cross-Strait issues,” National Security spokeswoman Emily Horne told AFP.

“We remain firmly committed to our ‘one China’ policy based on the three Joint Communiques and the Taiwan Relations Act. Our fundamental interest is in peaceful and stable cross-Strait relations.” – AFP