China has formally protested to the European Parliament after several politicians from the island of Taiwan joined the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance summit held in the European Parliament building, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing on Monday, Nov 10. 🤝
Lin's comments came after Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen delivered an address in Berlin on Monday and Hsiao Bi-khim gave a rare speech to a European Parliament group in Brussels on Friday, Nov 7. Both events signaled what many see as stronger outreach by Taiwan authorities to Europe.
According to Lin, the European side has reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle, stressing that the IPAC meeting was not organized or officially endorsed by the European Parliament. "Personal actions of individual Members of the European Parliament do not represent the official position of the European Parliament," he noted.
Lin criticized the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance (IPAC) for being funded by multiple anti-China institutions and accused DPP authorities of using the group to solicit foreign support for a separatist agenda. "The political theatrics staged by 'Taiwan secessionist' politicians and IPAC are merely aimed at grabbing attention. Such attempts are doomed to fail," he said.
He went on to warn that any further attempts by DPP authorities and 'Taiwan secessionist' forces to expand their outreach would only highlight their separatist goals and could never prevent China's reunification. Lin urged the European Parliament to "abide by the one-China principle, not send any wrong signals to 'Taiwan secessionist' forces, and avoid being used." ⚖️
Addressing Germany specifically, Lin emphasized that Beijing firmly opposes any 'Taiwan secessionists' visiting countries having diplomatic ties with China under any pretext. He expressed hope that Berlin would clearly oppose all secessionist moves and uphold overall bilateral relations with the mainland.
As Lin concluded, "China's position is consistent and clear," reaffirming opposition to visits by former Taiwan officials seeking foreign backing for separatism, and insisting such efforts will never succeed.
Reference(s):
China urges EU not to send wrong signal to 'Taiwan secessionist'
cgtn.com
