Q: Recently some Belgian politicians made irresponsible comments on the so-called “status quo of the Taiwan Strait” and falsely accused China of “threatening Taiwan”. How does China view such remarks?

A: We have noted and strongly rejected those remarks. The Taiwan question is essential to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is purely an internal affair of China. It is a sacred right of every sovereign country to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Taiwan Strait’s status quo can’t be clearer, that is there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and the government of People’s Republic of China is the only legal government representing the whole of China, which is a prevailing consensus of the international community. Violating and challenging the one-China principle, abetting the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and meddling in China’s internal affairs are exactly real attempts to change the status quo of the Taiwan Strait and disrupt peace and stability in the region. The cause and course of the recent escalation of tensions across the Taiwan Strait are crystal clear. The biggest threat to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and those external forces who abet and aid the separatists. It is obvious to all unbiased people.

One-China principle is the political foundation and the fundamental premise of China-Belgium relations. We urge certain Belgian politicians to honor its political commitment to the one-China principle and act prudently on the Taiwan question. Only by upholding the one-China principle can China and Belgium further deepen friendly cooperation, develop sound and stable bilateral relations and bring greater benefits to the two countries and the two peoples.