February 5, 2022
The Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on the International Relations Entering a New Era and the Global Sustainable Development, issued on the evening of February 4, mentions that “the Russian side reaffirms its support for the One-China principle, confirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and opposes any forms of independence of Taiwan.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly protests and strongly condemns this false and derogatory statement regarding the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. The PRC government has never ruled Taiwan. Only the freely elected Taiwan government can represent the people of Taiwan in the international community, and no distortion of the truth by the PRC will ever change this fact.
MOFA emphasizes that the Chinese government does not have the right to represent Taiwan in the international arena and, furthermore, should not use its fabricated “one China principle” to compel other countries, international organizations, and enterprises to make statements against their will which are contrary to reality. The Chinese government continues to falsely claim to the international community that Taiwan belongs to the PRC, just as it habitually churns out other crude misinformation and disinformation. This not only increases Taiwanese people’s resistance and aversion to the Chinese government’s heavy-handed intimidation, it also clearly exposes the Chinese Communist Party’s malevolent attempt to aggressively expand and disrupt peace.
As the world watches this year’s Winter Olympics and cheers for participating athletes, it is also watching China and showing concern for China’s dismal human rights record. That the Chinese government exploited this opportunity to hold a summit with Russia and display its authoritarian expansionism is an insult to the spirit of peace symbolized by the Olympic rings. This manipulative action will be disdained by the people of Taiwan and condemned by democratic nations. (E)