BEIJING, April 20. /TASS/. An improper approach to the Taiwan issue may entail serious consequences in bilateral relations of China and the United States, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe said in a telephone conversation with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday.

The Chinese Defense Ministry reported in its statement that: "General Wei expressed solemn stance on the Taiwan question, stressing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, which is a fact and status quo that no one can change."

"If the Taiwan question is not handled properly, it will have a subversive effect on the China-US relations," the statement reads. "The Chinese military will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity."

Taiwan has been governed by its local administration since 1949 when the Kuomintang’s remaining forces headed by Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) were defeated in the Chinese Civil War and took refuge on the island. Taiwan has preserved the flag and several other symbols of the Republic of China that had existed before the Communists took over the mainland. Beijing regards the island as one of its provinces. This position is supported by most countries, including Russia.