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The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and lies at the core of China's core interests. On this issue, China will not compromise or back down, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said on Wednesday in response to a recent statement by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Taiwan question. 

Attending a New Year media briefing and reception on Wednesday, Xiao took questions from journalists, explaining the thinking behind his recent article that responds to the Australian government's statement related to Taiwan, according to a notice published on WeChat account of Chinese embassy in Australia. 

Xiao said that the statement disregarded facts, violated the Australian government's political commitment to the one-China principle and misled the Australian public. He noted that it was therefore necessary to clarify the truth to the Australian people.

Xiao pointed out that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 solemnly affirms that there is only one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. 

Official UN legal opinions have made it clear that "Taiwan is a province of China." To date, 183 sovereign countries around the world have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. This fully demonstrates that the one-China principle is a widely recognized consensus of the international community and a fundamental fact concerning the Taiwan question, said Xiao.

Xiao stressed that the 1972 Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Australia clearly states that "the Australian Government recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China… acknowledges the position of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of the People's Republic of China." This solemn commitment has been acknowledged by successive Australian governments.

The Australian side should match its words with actions and honor this commitment in full and without discount. Proper handling of Taiwan-related questions is of particular importance to the sound and stable development of China-Australia relations. The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and lies at the core of China's core interests. On this issue, China will not compromise or retreat, said Xiao. 

Global Times