The Chinese embassy in Canada expressed "strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition" to the so-called "Canada-Republic of Korea Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting joint statement"which was released by the Global Affairs Canada, the embassy's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The statement blatantly points the finger at China's core interests involving the Taiwan region, the South China Sea and other issues, and plays up tensions, said the spokesperson.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair that brooks no external interference, the spokesperson said, noting that the greatest threat to cross-Strait peace is "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and foreign interference and disruption.
If the relevant countries truly hope to contribute to peace and stability in the region, they should earnestly abide by the one-China principle and unequivocally oppose the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, the spokesperson stressed.
Noting that the situation in the South China Sea is now generally stable, the spokesperson said China remains committed to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation with the countries directly concerned, and the countries of the region have full confidence, wisdom and capability to handle the South China Sea issue.
"The South China Sea is one of the safest and freest sea routes in the world, and there has never been any problem with the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. The Chinese side urges non-regional countries to genuinely respect the efforts of regional countries to resolve disputes through negotiation and to stop stirring up trouble," said the spokesperson.
China refutes Canada-ROK joint statement on Taiwan question, South China Sea issue
China refutes Canada-ROK joint statement on Taiwan question, South China Sea issue
China refutes Canada-ROK joint statement on Taiwan question, South China Sea issue
A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan. They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the tour.
The delegation made the tour at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.
"The young people from both sides of the Strait share the same root, and we are having a harmonious communication this time. We also welcome young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland for exchange," Cao Yibo, a student from Peking University, told reporters during the tour.
The delegation included table tennis Olympic champion Ma Long who studies at Beijing Sport University, and air rifle Olympic champion Yang Qian of Tsinghua University.
"In the future, I would like to visit Taiwan again. I did not expect that so many compatriots in Taiwan would come to welcome and us and pay so much attention to our exchange tour," Ma said.
Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday, and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.
"The farewell dinner party was held yesterday evening, when almost all students from the mainland shared their feelings. What moved me so much is that every one of them thanked people here, because the latter sincerely and warmly welcomed them wherever they went during the nine-day tour. They told me that when they go back, they will tell their relatives and friends that people in Taiwan are kind, hospitable and warm. I believe that is the most important purpose of the exchange across the Strait," he said.
Calling youth exchanges a foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.
This is the second delegation of mainland teachers and students visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, following the visit by a first delegation in July last year.
Delegation of mainland university students, teachers wraps up Taiwan visit
