On Wednesday, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued a statement expressing concern over the PLA’s recent military exercises around the Taiwan region. The next day, the Chinese Embassy in Canberra fired back, accusing DFAT of “distorting facts and confusing right and wrong.”
The embassy said it has lodged solemn representations with the Australian side and called on Canberra to abide by its political commitments under the one-China principle. It also highlighted a recent large-scale U.S. arms sale to Taiwan region, labeling it a violation of the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués.
According to the spokesperson, such arms moves embolden “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, turning the region into a “powder keg” and an “ammunition depot.” They warned that these activities and external interference are the biggest unilateral actions altering the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
The PLA’s relevant military drills, the embassy stressed, serve as a serious warning to separatist and external interference forces and are legitimate actions to safeguard China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China’s embassy reminded Australia that the one-China principle is the political foundation of China-Australia relations. It urged Canberra to stop condoning “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, cease interfering in China’s internal affairs, and work towards a healthy and stable bilateral relationship. 🤝🌏
As tensions rise, the big question now is: how will Australia respond? Will Canberra stand firm on its commitments or risk further diplomatic clashes?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
