Spokesperson's Remarks｜China reiterates Taiwan question and Ukraine crisis a...

Responding to media inquiries about recent remarks by a European leader at the Shangri-La Dialogue which linked the Taiwan question with the Ukraine issue, alluded to so-called "China threat" on the South China Sea issue, and suggested that NATO has the ground to "be involved" in the Asia-Pacific, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated on Wednesday that the Taiwan question and the Ukraine crisis are not comparable at all.

Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson/MFA PRC

"We firmly oppose relevant remarks," Lin said, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question is entirely China's internal affair. China firmly opposes any remarks and moves that seek to mischaracterize or distort the nature of the Taiwan question, and urges relevant parties to abide by the one-China principle through concrete actions and respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Lin said.

Lin noted that the current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. There isn't any problem with the freedom of navigation and overflight that countries enjoy in accordance with the law. China stands for properly resolving maritime disputes and differences through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts. Countries outside of the region need to respect the efforts of regional countries to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, instead of instigating tensions and creating disputes.

Lin pointed out that as a regional defensive organization, NATO has no right to reach beyond its geographical scope and mandate defined by its treaty. China firmly opposes NATO's attempt to advance eastward into the Asia-Pacific, stir up tensions and create confrontation in the region, and sabotage regional and even global peace and stability. Asia-Pacific countries do not welcome NATO in the Asia-Pacific and the region certainly does not need an Asia-Pacific NATO.

Lin stressed that Asia is the common home for China and other Asian countries. In recent years, thanks to the joint effort of regional countries, Asia has maintained rapid growth and become a pacesetter in global growth and peaceful development. China stays committed to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy, firmly opposes bloc confrontation and never seeks so-called sphere of influence.

"Relevant parties should not make ill-intentioned speculation or sow discord between Asia-Pacific countries based on Cold War mentality. What they should do is to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific," Lin said. (By Ma Ziqian/China Youth Daily)

来源：中国青年报客户端