China calls Taiwan’s invitation to the Summit for Democracy a “mistake”

On Wednesday, President Biden invited Taiwan to the Summit for Democracy next month, a move that infuriated China.

The Summit for Democracy will bring together 100 countries, including developed democracies and places where democracy is under attack, such as Poland and the Philippines. China and Russia were not invited.

The gathering aims to return the United States to global leadership to face authoritarian forces led by China and Russia.

The U.S. does not formally recognize Taiwan’s independence, however, the two nations still maintain an unofficial relationship. China sees the island as a territory of the People’s Republic of China.

China called Biden’s decision a “mistake” and accused him of using democracy as a cover for oppression.

“U.S. actions only go to show democracy is just a cover and a tool for it to advance its geopolitical objectives, oppress other countries, divide the world, and serve its own interests,” said Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry.

Beijing said it opposed “any official interaction between the U.S. and China’s Taiwan region.”

“This stance is clear and consistent. We urge the U.S. to stick to the 'one China' principle and the three joint communiques," said Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office.

Taiwan accepted the invitation to the summit and said it will send representatives.

“Our country's invitation to participate in the 'Summit for Democracy' is an affirmation of Taiwan's efforts to promote the values of democracy and human rights over the years,” said Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry.

Taiwan’s invitation to the summit comes as China exerts more pressure on countries to break their relationship with the island.