China highly appreciates Somalia's recent decision to block entry or transit by individuals holding travel documents issued by Taiwan authorities, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, called this decision a legitimate move by a sovereign state which reflects firm commitment to the one-China principle.
"China noted that recently the Somali federal government has announced that it would not accept travel documents issued by the Taiwan authorities, whether for arrival in or transit through Somalia, in accordance with Somalia's Constitution and UNGA Resolution 2758. Somalia's government reiterated its commitment to the one-China principle and stressed that hosting each other's 'representative office' and having official interactions between the Taiwan authorities and Somaliland directly infringes on Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Guo said.
"This is a legitimate measure taken by Somalia as a sovereignty country to safeguard its lawful rights and interests. It demonstrates Somalia's firm commitment to the one-China principle, which China highly commends. There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The one-China principle is enshrined in the UNGA Resolution 2758. It is a basic norm in international relations and a prevailing international consensus. It is where the arc of history bends and public opinion trends," he said.
Guo also pointed out that Somaliland is a part of Somalia, and China firmly supports the efforts of the Federal Government of Somalia to safeguard its national unification, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly opposes Taiwan authorities and Somaliland hosting each other's institution or having any form of official interaction.
China highly appreciates Somalia's firm adherence to one-China principle: spokesman
