When asked to comment on President of Paraguay Santiago Pena’s visit to Taiwan region from May 7 to 10, during which he met with Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te and signed several so-called “cooperation documents,” and made claims including that Paraguay supported Taiwan’s “participation in international multilateral systems,” “the international community should recognize Taiwan,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that China firmly opposes and condemns such moves made by the Paraguayan side.
There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community, Guo said.
“Over the years, we have heard time and again the strong call of people from various sectors in Paraguay to develop relations with China. According to a poll in Paraguay, nearly 90 percent of the respondents supported establishing diplomatic ties with China,” the spokesperson added.
This fully demonstrates that establishing diplomatic relations with China serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the Paraguayan people, and that colluding with the Taiwan authorities wins no support, Guo added.
Relevant Paraguayan political figures not only turn a blind eye to it, but also blatantly visit Taiwan to endorse Lai Ching-te and his like in defiance of global criticism and willingly serve as chess pieces for “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. It’s apparent for all whether it is truly for the benefit of the Paraguayan people or for some ulterior motive, he continued.
We urge the Paraguayan government to change course at an early date, see where the arc of history bends, follow their people’s will, and make the right political decision to recognize the one-China principle. The wheels of history wait for no one. Rejecting the one-China principle will only isolate oneself from the international community, Guo added.
Global Times
