Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

In response to public expressions of concern by Japan, Australia, EU institutions, and certain European countries regarding Chinese People Liberation Army (PLA)'s exercises around the Taiwan Island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a regular press conference on Wednesday that China firmly opposes this and has lodged stern representations.

Lin said that these countries and institutions have turned a deaf ear to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces' attempts to seek "independence" through forces and turned a blind eye to external forces' interference in China's internal affairs. Yet, they make irresponsible comments on China's necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, inverting right and wrong and confusing truth with falsehood. "This is utterly hypocritical."

The spokesperson said that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, brooking no interference from any external forces. 

He added that the most fundamental status quo in the Taiwan Straits is that both sides belong to one and the same China. The greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits comes from "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and the indulgence and support of external forces.

The spokesperson emphasized that the one-China principle is a universal consensus in the international community and a basic norm governing international relations. It serves as the political foundation for China to develop relations with the 183 countries around the world that have established diplomatic relations with China.

Japan, Australia, and European countries made solemn political commitments on this matter when establishing diplomatic ties with China, said Lin, "We strongly urge the aforementioned countries and institutions to strictly abide by the one-China principle, cease interfering in China's internal affairs, and stop condoning or supporting 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities," Lin said.

Global Times