By Busayo Onijala
China has reaffirmed that the “Taiwan question” remains at the core of its national interests and represents the foremost red line that must not be crossed in China–U.S. relations.
The Consul-General of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, said this on Wednesday in Lagos while speaking at a symposium organised by the Chinese Consulate.
Yan expressed China’s strong opposition to the recent approval by the United States of an 11 billion dollars arms sales package to Taiwan, describing the move as a serious violation of China’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
According to her, the action sends a gravely wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
She added that China had expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the U.S. move and had lodged a solemn protest with the U.S. government.
“Throughout successive dynasties, Taiwan remained under the effective jurisdiction of the central government of China for the vast majority of the time since its incorporation into China’s administrative system.
“Chinese government expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition, and has immediately lodged a solemn protest with the U.S. side.
“The Chinese government urges the U.S. to adhere to the One-China Principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, honor the solemn commitments made by its leaders, and cease its dangerous move of arming Taiwan.
“Otherwise, it will face China’s firm and forceful response,” she said.
She said that historical facts clearly show that Taiwan has been an integral part of China since ancient times.
Yan noted that the earliest documented accounts of Taiwan appeared in Chinese historical records as far back as 230 AD.
She said that the Chinese nation had developed and thrived in Taiwan over the centuries, with Chinese culture taking deep root and flourishing on the island.
From the perspective of international law, Yan said a series of international instruments had long affirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan.
She described the One-China Principle as not only a core position of China, but also a widely recognised consensus of the international community and a fundamental norm governing international relations.
“To date, 183 countries, including Nigeria, that have established diplomatic relations with China all recognise that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
“Any provocative actions that cross the line on the Taiwan question will be met with forceful responses from China.
“China will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend its national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” she said.
Yan warned that any provocative actions crossing the red line on the Taiwan question would be met with firm responses from China.
The envoy also called on the Nigerian media to play a constructive role in disseminating facts and correcting misconceptions about the Taiwan question.
She urged the media to expose the fallacies of “Taiwan independence” and actions by external forces interfering in China’s internal affairs.
“Let us join hands to resist misleading rhetoric, enhance strategic mutual trust between our two countries, and contribute positively to the healthy development of bilateral relations, as well as international fairness and justice,” Yan said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
