(File photo)

Chinese experts reiterated right ahead of the inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump that Taiwan issue is never a bargaining chip for the new U.S. leader, or it will become the most severe challenge on the bilateral ties that both sides should cherish.

“There is no room for negotiation when sovereignty is concerned and there is no bargaining chip in exchange for such issues,” said Lü Xiang, an expert on U.S. from the Chinese Academy of Social Science. He explained that Trump had acted that Taiwan issue is “the Trump card,” which would in fact entail more problems.

He Weiwen, a former commercial counselor to San Francisco and New York, noted that Taiwan issue is the biggest problem facing Sino-US relations, as the One-China policy is the very core interest of China.

The remarks were made at a seminar held by Center for China and Globalization (CCG) on Jan. 19, one day before Trump would be sworn into office, which may see the presence of a Taiwan delegation.

The delegation would be led by former leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Yu Shyi-kun – who is notorious for his pro-“Taiwan independence” stance – and would attend the inauguration, according to the island’s “foreign ministry.”

It would mark the latest close-in interaction between Taiwan and the U.S. since the U.S. president-elect made a phone call with Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen after Trump’s victory.

Trump had also openly said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that the One-China policy is up for negotiation and that he is not fully committed to it.

“Our position is very clear. China opposes any moves by the Taiwan authority for whatever excuses to send people to the U.S. to conduct activities that will disturb or undermine Sino-U.S. relations,” Hua Chunying, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, told a daily briefing on Jan. 18 in Beijing.

“We once again urge relevant parties in the U.S. to allow no delegation sent by the Taiwan authority to attend the inauguration ceremony of the president, and not to have any official contact with Taiwan,” Hua noted, adding that the message has been delivered to the sitting US administration and the Trump transition team.