The Ministry of Foreign Affairs definitively refuted the recent remarks made by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi while on a trip to African nations, as the pronouncements seriously infringed upon the sovereignty of the ROC (Taiwan).
According to the MOFA, during a Jan. 8-11 visit to Ethiopia, Tanzania and Lesotho, Wang ignored objective historical facts as he restated the so-called “one China principle” and spread distortions and falsehoods by claiming that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
The ministry also strongly protested the Joint Press Release issued by the African Union – China Strategic Dialogue Jan. 8 and the erroneous remarks by officials from the three African nations, expressing deep regret that they are taking untenable positions to curry favor with Beijing.
The ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent nation, whose future can only be determined by its people, the MOFA said. Any claim based on false narratives suggesting that Taiwan is subject to another country is unacceptable, it added.
China’s continuous attempts to spread disinformation in the global sphere through threats, enticements and rhetoric constitutes a challenge to international order and peace, the ministry said, urging all nations to pay close attention to this flagrant example of authoritarian interference in other countries’ affairs.
The government of Taiwan has long assisted like-minded African nations in sectors including education, medicine and infrastructure development and enjoyed considerable success, the MOFA said.
The ministry called on countries to hold on to the principles of independence, sovereignty and rational thinking when promoting exchanges and collaboration, a long-term strategy that would lead to national and public well-being.
Taiwan is willing to deepen friendly cooperation with like-minded African countries that respect its sovereignty and uphold the principles of mutually beneficial partnership for the welfare of their peoples, the MOFA said.
The ROC (Taiwan) will continue to defend its sovereignty and values of freedom and democracy, the ministry said, adding that it welcomes future cooperative contributions to sustainable development in African nations and the global community. (SFC-E)
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