TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday rejected a joint statement by China and Namibia supporting Beijing’s claim that Taiwan belongs to China.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping met Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during her state visit to China on Friday. The two governments later issued a statement backing Beijing’s “one China principle.”
The foreign ministry said Taiwan is a sovereign country and is not ruled by China. It added that Taiwan has never been part of the People’s Republic of China.
The ministry said statements issued by China or other countries cannot change Taiwan’s sovereignty. It also said pressure from Beijing would not weaken Taiwan’s commitment to democracy.
The ministry accused China of using meetings with foreign leaders to spread false claims about Taiwan. It also criticized Namibia for supporting Beijing’s position, although Taiwan and China are governed separately.
The ministry urged the international community to identify China’s efforts to expand its influence and reject its claims over Taiwan. It said Taiwan would continue working with diplomatic allies and democratic partners to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region.
