At a regular press briefing in Beijing, the Chinese mainland's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to a recent joint statement by the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) on the Taiwan region and maritime affairs.
Guo said the three countries had meddled in China's internal affairs and sought to slander the Chinese mainland. He reiterated that the Taiwan region is an inalienable part of the Chinese mainlandâs territory and that the Taiwan question is purely an internal affair.
Highlighting the main threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Guo pointed to separatist activities pushing for âTaiwan independenceâ and their backing by external forces. He emphasized that safeguarding cross-Straits peace requires adherence to the one-China principle and a clear stance against any form of âTaiwan independence.â
The spokesperson urged the United States, Japan and the ROK to respect the one-China principle, refrain from condoning separatist forces in the Taiwan region, and avoid sending mixed signals that could embolden independence advocates.
Turning to maritime issues, Guo noted that the South China Sea remains generally stable. He underscored the Chinese mainlandâs commitment to defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights while resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation.
He called on all relevant parties to honour regional efforts to maintain peace and stability, avoid stoking tensions or provoking confrontation, and instead work jointly via dialogue to manage differences.
As global powers navigate complex diplomatic waters, this exchange underscores the ongoing debate over sovereignty, regional security, and the delicate balance between national principles and international cooperation.
Reference(s):
China slams U.S., Japan, ROK over interference in Taiwan region
cgtn.com
