China’s foreign ministry said on Monday that Beijing had made “firm statements” to the United States after US President Joe Biden said US forces would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, Reuters reported.

China reserves the right to take all necessary measures in response to actions that divide the nation, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press conference.

“We are ready to do everything possible for a peaceful unification. At the same time, we will not tolerate any separatist activities,” Mao said.

She also called on the US to handle Taiwan issues “carefully and properly” and not send “wrong signals” to separatist forces fighting for Taiwan’s independence, warning the United States not to seriously affect Sino-US relations and cross-strait peace. Taiwan.

“There is only one China in the world, Taiwan is part of China, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government of China,” Mao said.

Beijing’s reaction came after Joe Biden said US forces would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, his clearest statement on the matter yet.

Asked in an interview broadcast by CBS on Sunday whether US forces would defend the democratic island claimed by China, he said: “Yes, if there is an unprecedented attack.”

Asked if he was referring to the fact that, unlike Ukraine, American troops — American men and women — would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, Biden said: “Yes, in the event of a Chinese invasion.”