TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday shut down a joint statement between Bangladesh and China claiming Taiwan as a part of China.

Bangladesh's interim government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus signed the document with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) during a visit to Beijing last week. Yunus pledged to adhere to the "one China” principle and opposed “Taiwan independence.”

The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation under China’s Belt Road Initiative. 

MOFA reaffirmed in a statement that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country. “Any distorted statements regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty cannot change the internationally recognized cross-strait reality,” it said.

Taiwan remains committed to defending its sovereignty and will continue working with like-minded nations to uphold democratic values, regional peace, and stability, the ministry said. It also called on Bangladesh to enhance economic and trade relations with Taiwan and contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.