The Chinese Embassy in the US told Sputnik, on Friday, that Chinese Ambassador Qin Gang has met with members of the White House National Security Council and vehemently refuted claims that Beijing is inflaming tensions.

"On August 4, Ambassador Qin Gang sternly rejected the unreasonable accusations of the US side on Chinese military countermeasures when meeting with the officials of the White House National Security Council," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson further added that "Over 160 countries and international organizations, including ASEAN countries and other regional countries, have criticized [US House Speaker] Pelosi’s visit [to Taiwan] and reiterated their commitment to the One China Principle," and then built on it that "The US accusation that China is escalating the tensions is completely groundless and false. Facts have proved that the US is the troublemaker for peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the region."

The spokesperson further underscored that China's response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan was "necessary and legitimate" in order to deter separatist forces.

He said, "Ambassador Qin stressed the military countermeasures taken by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in the waters around the Taiwan Island are necessary and legitimate measures to deter 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity," adding that "With prior warnings made about them, the Chinese side matches its words with actions."

Qin Gang also held the US fully responsible for the increased US-China tensions according to Sputnik.

The embassy spokesperson stated that "Ambassador Qin pointed out, despite China’s repeated and serious warnings in advance, the U.S. has had House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visit Taiwan. This has seriously undermined peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and China-U.S. relations," adding that "The cause, consequences, and merits of the incident are crystal clear. The U.S. side must bear full responsibility for the current situation."  

The US should respect and uphold its commitment to the One China Principle, and in this regard, it must act responsibly and take corrective actions to reverse the consequences that unfolded following Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, the spokesperson noted.

"Ambassador Qin [Gang] said the United States should earnestly honor its commitment of abiding by the One China Principle and not supporting 'Taiwan independence,' and act immediately to rectify its mistakes and eliminate the grave impact of Pelosi’s visit," he added.

In other terms, Gang stated that the US must not adopt escalatory measures to exacerbate tensions either in Taiwan or in China-US ties.

Earlier in the day, the White House summoned Qin to protest China's "escalating actions" near Taiwan, according to US media, quoting National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.

Read more: China can lower Taiwan-related tensions by ending drills: US