November 23, 2023
President of Uruguay Luis Lacalle Pou visited China from November 18 to 25 and met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on November 22. After his meeting with Premier Li Qiang, the two sides issued a joint statement espousing the so-called “one China principle” and claiming that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) condemns in the strongest terms the Chinese government for repeatedly touting the “one China principle” and making false and unilateral territorial claims over Taiwan during meetings with leaders of other countries. MOFA also strongly protests the Uruguayan government’s deference to Chinese narratives that disparage Taiwan’s sovereignty and dignity.
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign nation, that neither the R.O.C. (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other, and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. These are internationally recognized facts and the objective status quo. No country can or has the right to unilaterally deny the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan) through a joint statement.
Uruguay is a democratic country. Since assuming office, President Lacalle has traveled worldwide advancing free trade. Although President Lacalle has emphasized democracy and human rights, he has ignored the fact that China is a totalitarian autocracy that tramples on human rights, and he has deferred to its spurious claims. MOFA expresses regret and urges the government of Uruguay to clearly recognize China’s true intentions in expanding its global power and to avoid becoming complicit with China’s authoritarianism. MOFA also calls on the Uruguayan government to work with Taiwan and other democratic countries in a pragmatic and open manner in order to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the globe.