China reiterates ‘one-China policy’ after Taiwan foreign minister column, ‘sneaky’ visit

Metro Manila, Philippines - China has reiterated its “one-China principle” after Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung published an article in Philippine media outlets urging support for Taiwan in promoting global peace and prosperity.

In a statement Thursday, Sept. 11, the Chinese embassy in Manila dismissed Lin as a “Taiwan independence separatist.”

“It is well known that there is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an integral part of the Chinese territory. The Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China,” it said.

The embassy added, “How can a province of China possibly have a foreign minister?”

Chinese officials also claimed Lin “sneaked” into the country recently as part of a Taiwanese delegation.

Beijing said it lodged a formal protest with Manila over the visit, which was not officially recognized by Manila.

Last month, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed that the Philippines is upholding the One China Policy, stressing that the country does not recognize the self-governing island of Taiwan as a sovereign state.

Under this policy, Taiwan is considered part of mainland China.

“The one-China principle is unshakable. It is the political foundation on which China establishes and develops bilateral relations with 183 countries including the Philippines,” the Chinese embassy said.