AUSTRALIA: The Chinese Embassy in Australia on Thursday criticized a statement issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as distorting facts and confusing right and wrong and urged Australia to abide by its political commitments on Taiwan.
“The Chinese side strongly deplores and firmly opposes this, and has lodged solemn representations with the Australian side. The spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also stated China’s solemn position,” the spokesperson of the Chinese embassy said on its official website.
On Wednesday, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement, expressing concern over the PLA’s recent military exercises around Taiwan island.
The PLA Eastern Theater Command on Monday launched large-scale joint military drills around Taiwan Island under the codename “Justice Mission 2025” to counter “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference.
Recently, the US, in violation of the one-China principle, the three China-US joint communiqués, and commitments made by US leaders, announced a large-scale arms sale to Taiwan, emboldening the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces to seek independence through military buildup and US support, turning Taiwan into a “powder keg” and an “ammunition depot.” “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference are the biggest unilateral actions changing the status quo across the Taiwan Straits. Their massive and desperate arms purchases further reveal their true nature as provocateurs, saboteurs of peace and warmongers, and deserve condemnation from all sides, the spokesperson said.
“Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair and tolerates no external interference. The relevant military drills of the PLA are a serious warning to the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and external interference forces, and also a legitimate action to safeguard China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the spokesperson said.
“The One-China principle is the political foundation of China-Australia relations. China strongly urges Australia to abide by its political commitments, cease interfering in China’s internal affairs, stop condoning ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities, and create a favorable environment for the healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations,” added the spokesperson.
