China on Wednesday urged the US to respect other countries' sovereign rights and the one-China principle. The remarks were made in response to Mike Pence's decision to cancel his upcoming meeting with the Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare after the Pacific nation broke diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Solomon Islands (Photo: CGTN)

"We support the Solomon Islands in making such an important decision as a sovereign and independent country," Geng Shuang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said at a regular press conference.

Geng then reiterated that there is only one China in the world and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government that represents the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. These are basic facts and the universal consensus of the international community. On the basis of the one-China principle, China has established official diplomatic relationships with 178 countries.

Geng also warned the US to honor its commitment to a historical document signed by both the US and China. 

"In 1979, the US government established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. What makes the US think it can make carping remarks about a sovereign and independent country's decision to build ties with China on the basis of the same principle?" he said. "Is the US interfering in the Solomon Islands' internal affairs? I think the international community has the answer."

"If the US really cares about Pacific nations, it should help these countries develop their economies and improve the livelihoods of local people instead of imposing sanctions," he noted.

"We urge the US to respect other countries' sovereign rights and abide by the one-China principle and the three joint communiques. The US government should treat matters related to Taiwan with caution to avoid harming the China-US relationship and the regional stability in Taiwan," Geng added.