The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China’s firm stance on the one-China principle during a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday. Responding to recent remarks by Lai Ching-te, the leader of the Taiwan region, Mao emphasized that no matter what the Lai authorities say or do, they cannot change the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China.
Mao accused Lai of attempting to sever historical connections across the Taiwan Strait by promoting “Taiwan independence” narratives, such as claims that “China and Taiwan are not subordinate to each other” and that “Taiwan has sovereignty.” She stated, “It once again exposes that he is hellbent on advancing ‘Taiwan independence’ and has the ill intention of heightening tensions in the Taiwan Strait for his selfish political interest.”
Stressing the prevailing international consensus on the one-China principle, Mao asserted that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. “The attempt to seek independence and make provocations will lead nowhere,” she added.
Mao pointed out that Taiwan has never been a country and will never be a country, thus has no so-called sovereignty. She reaffirmed China’s consistent position on opposing “Taiwan independence” and any form of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan” in the Taiwan region’s external exchanges and participation in international activities.
“Let me stress once again that China opposes all forms of official interactions between Taiwan and countries having diplomatic relations with China and interference in China’s internal affairs in any way and under any excuse,” Mao said.
She also urged foreign politicians who visit Taiwan to correct their “wrong words and deeds,” stop meddling in China’s internal affairs, and cease conniving at and supporting “Taiwan independence” and heightening tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The tension between the Chinese mainland and the Taiwan region has been escalating amid heightened rhetoric and actions surrounding the sovereignty and status of Taiwan.
