TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Taiwanese tea producer’s award-winning moment at a French competition was disrupted when Chinese embassy staffers heckled the ceremony with “one China” slogans, prompting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to condemn the behavior as an international embarrassment and reaffirm that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other.
Lishan Juxin Tea Industry Co. received a gourmet medal for its Huagang Snow Source Tea at the 8th “Teas of the World” contest organized by France's Agency for Valorization of Agricultural Products, per CNA. In a video posted on Facebook, the company's chief executive, Leo Hsieh (謝忠霖), said two individuals believed to be Chinese diplomats shouted in English, “Taiwan is just a province” and “Taiwan is part of China.”
Members of the audience responded with comments such as “If you don’t like it, go out” and “Just be quiet.” On Tuesday, Hsieh told CNA the individuals were Chinese embassy staffers who were booed by attendees, which deeply moved him.
MOFA Spokesperson Hsiao Kuangwei (蕭光偉) said that if the individuals indeed claimed that Taiwan is part of China, he must again refute and correct the statement, “Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, and it is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China.” He added, “This is not only the objective reality across the Taiwan Strait, but also a fact recognized by the international community.”
He pointed out that the event clearly identified Taiwan by name and displayed its national flag, demonstrating a clear distinction. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent Taiwan’s 23 million people in the international community and multilateral arena, and China has no right to comment or interfere, said Hsiao.
Hsiao urged Chinese citizens to act rationally, respect international standards of civility, and “avoid making themselves a laughing stock in the international community.”
He added that if the individuals were official representatives of China, authorities should recognize that respectful and equal dialogue with Taiwan, rather than confrontation, is the only way to improve cross-strait relations. Beijing should view realities rationally and stop unreasonable pressure and coercion against Taiwan and the international community.
Hsiao emphasized that Taiwan is a force for good in the international community and hopes to work with like-minded partners to make the world better. Taiwan can also work with the international community to jointly manage China, encouraging it to be less provocative, aggressive, and “wolf warrior-like,” and to interact more peacefully with other countries.
According to the Taipei Representative Office in France, 29 Taiwanese tea producers participated in the competition, collectively winning 10 gold medals, eight silver medals, 12 bronze medals, and 24 special flavor awards.
