The Taiwan question is China's internal affair, and China firmly opposes any words and actions attempting to confuse or distort the nature of the Taiwan question, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a regular press briefing on Wednesday.
Lin's remarks came in response to a media query about recent comments made by a European leader at the Shangri-La Dialogue who linked the Taiwan question with the Ukraine issue, alluded to the so-called "China threat" on the South China Sea issue, and suggested that NATO has the ground to "be involved" in the Asia-Pacific.
"We firmly oppose relevant remarks. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question is entirely China's internal affair. The Taiwan question and the Ukraine crisis are not comparable at all. China firmly opposes any remarks and moves that seek to mischaracterize or distort the nature of the Taiwan question, and urges relevant parties to abide by the one-China principle through concrete actions and respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said.
"The current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable. There isn't any problem with the freedom of navigation and overflight that countries enjoy in accordance with the law. China stands for properly resolving maritime disputes and differences through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts. Countries outside of the region need to respect the efforts of regional countries to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, instead of instigating tensions and creating disputes. Asia-Pacific countries do not welcome NATO in the Asia-Pacific and the region certainly does not need an Asia-Pacific NATO," the spokesman continued.
China opposes words or actions distorting nature of Taiwan question: spokesman
Thailand will release detained Cambodian soldiers once peace is restored, a Thai official said on Saturday, after the two countries agreed to a ceasefire following days of heavy clashes.
The ceasefire was agreed following intense discussions at General Border Committee (GBC) meetings between Cambodia and Thailand in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province.
Under the agreement, the truce took effect at noon local time and will be monitored by both sides for 72 hours. The Thai government said it reached the agreement after considering the impact of the crisis on the country's economy and international standing.
"Once peace has been restored, civilians can return to their homes safely. Thailand will then release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers," said Thai Defense Minister Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit at a press conference after the meeting.
Thailand, in turn, expressed hope that Cambodian authorities will allow Thai citizens remaining in Cambodia to return safely.
The coming hours will be a key test of mutual trust. The two countries have agreed to keep communication channels open and work together to combat disinformation, which has complicated negotiations. Thailand also expects Cambodia to assist in clearing landmines in disputed areas.
Thailand said it is watching closely to see whether the ceasefire will be fully implemented, while remaining prepared to defend itself if hostilities resume.
"The ceasefire must be sincerely conducted and maintained. We are going to wait. That is why we have the 72-hour monitoring period in place. If things are not settled within the 72 hours, we will fall back to our protocol of using our right to defend our country," said Thai Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee.
Prior to the ceasefire, the situation along the border was tense. During the General Border Committee talks, airstrikes and clashes occurred almost daily, with frontline control shifting frequently, taking a heavy toll on civilians.
Thailand to release detained Cambodian soldiers once peace is restored: official
