TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s foreign ministry on Wednesday rejected a Uruguay-China statement that misrepresents Taiwan’s status and called for respect for facts.

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi met Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday. The South American country’s foreign ministry later issued the statement, claiming that Taiwan is an “inalienable part” of China’s territory and that Uruguay opposes any form of Taiwan independence.

In response, Taiwan's foreign ministry said it is a sovereign and independent country and has never been governed by China. It urged Uruguay “to recognize the true intentions behind China’s global expansion of influence” and “to refrain from endorsing its intentionally aggressive statements.”

The ministry added that Taiwan will continue to engage partners through pragmatic diplomacy and shared democratic values. It said cooperation should be based on truth, mutual respect, and the will of the people of Taiwan.

Orsi’s visit marks the first trip by a South American leader to China since US forces entered Venezuela to capture former President Nicolas Maduro, in January.