Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the United States not to cross the “red line” in their support for TaiwanThe French Prime Minister, Joe Biden, met him in Lima on Saturday, on the sidelines of a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum.

He asserted that “the question of Taiwan, democracy and human rights“as well as China’s political and economic system and development interests”.are China’s four red lines that must not be called into question“reported China’s state broadcaster CCTV.

“These are the most important safeguards and safety net for relations between China and the United States.“Mr. Xi added, according to CCTV. He condemned the “separatist actions“of Taiwan’s leaders as being “incompatible with peace and security“in the region.

Washington in bilateral disputes

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has said it will not rule out the use of force to bring the island back under its control. In recent years, it has stepped up its military pressure, sending warplanes, drones and ships around the island on an almost daily basis. The United States is Taiwan’s main security ally, even though it does not recognize the island diplomatically.

During his meeting with Joe Biden, Xi Jinping also asserted that Washington “should not intervene in bilateral disputes (…) and should not tolerate or support provocative actions”.“in the South China Sea, according to CCTV.

Beijing claims sovereignty over almost all uninhabited reefs and islets in the South China Sea on historical grounds, ignoring a 2016 international court ruling that there is no legal basis for its claims.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia all have rival claims to this maritime zone with its high commercial and strategic stakes. The situation has escalated in recent months. Several episodes of violence have pitted Chinese vessels against Vietnamese and Philippine vessels.