China warns Taiwan not to rely on foreigners after attack threat

FILE PHOTO: A double rainbow is seen behind Taiwanese flag during the National Day celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan, October 10, 2017. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

BEIJING (Reuters) - Taiwan will fail in its efforts to get foreign support for its cause, the Chinese government said on Wednesday after a senior Chinese diplomat threaten Taiwan would be attacked the instant any U.S. warship visits the self-ruled island.

China considers Taiwan to be a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is its main source of arms.