Q: On February 28, the European Parliament adopted its 2023 annual report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy. The report, passed with 338 votes in favor, 86 against, and 122 abstentions, includes unsubstantiated allegations against China regarding the issues concerning Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea. Meanwhile, it asserts that neither Taiwan nor China is subordinate to the other and welcomes visits to Taiwan by official Parliament delegations. What’s your comment?

    A: The China-related content in the European Parliament report constitutes a blatant disregard of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, a serious breach of China’s sovereignty, and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs. We are deeply shocked by these statements, over which we express our firm opposition and strongest condemnation. The report explicitly advocates the concept of “one China, one Taiwan”, challenging the one-China principle and emboldening the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. It exposes certain European politicians’ sheer ignorance in historical facts and realities, revealing their insidious intention to impede China’s reunification.

    The one-China principle is part of the basic norms governing international relations, acknowledged and respected by the international community. There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is affirmed by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 passed in 1971. When establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1975, the European side made a firm pledge to respect the People’s Republic of China’s stance on the Taiwan question, assuring not to maintain any official relations or conclude any agreements with Taiwan. China must be and will be reunified. This is a process that no one or any force can ever hold back. We advise these European politicians to read more about history, abide by international law and the basic norms governing international relations. They shall immediately cease interfering in China’s internal affairs and stop making irresponsible remarks, and shall make greater efforts to promote China-EU relations instead of making themselves once again a laughing stock in the future.