Q: According to media reports, a senior EU official said that the EU will upgrade its trade relations with Taiwan. What is your comment?

A: The One-China principle is a universally acknowledged basic norm in international relations and the common consensus of the international community. It also serves as the political foundation for establishing and developing diplomatic relations between China and the EU. The commitment to the One-China principle was reiterated by the EU in all documents and statements it jointly issued with China. There is a clear consensus between China and the EU on issues such as unofficial economic, cultural and personnel exchanges between the EU and China’s Taiwan region. We firmly oppose any form of official interactions or any discussion and signing of agreement with implications of sovereignty and of official nature between countries or organizations and the Taiwan region. It needs to be noted that this is not a trade issue, but a serious political issue that concerns the political foundation of China-EU relations. There is no room for compromise for China. We urge the EU side not to gamble on this issue, abide by the One-China principle, earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and honor its political commitments with concrete actions.