Recognizing one-China principle truly serves Guatemala's interests: spokesman

Recognizing the one-China principle and developing relations with China truly serve the fundamental interests of Guatemala and its people, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a regular briefing in Beijing on Friday.

Commenting on Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo's remarks that he intends to take the ties between Guatemala and Taiwan "to the next level", Lin stressed that there is only one China in the world. "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. This is a prevailing consensus in the international community, which brooks no challenge. The DPP authorities use so-called 'diplomatic allies' to seek political gains. This is self-deceiving and will not stop the inevitable reunification of China," said Lin.

"The fact that 183 countries in the world have established diplomatic relations with China fully proves that upholding the one-China principle is the right thing to do, and it is where the public opinion trends and the arc of history bends. Recognizing the one-China principle, developing relations with China, and sharing opportunities for development are what truly serve the fundamental interests of Guatemala and its people. We urge the government of relevant country to see the ultimate trend, meet its people's aspirations, and make the right choice at an early date," he said.

The Chinese military has continued to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters of and airspace over the Huangyan Dao as well as the surrounding areas in the South China Sea since the beginning of December, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said Wednesday.

The PLA Southern Theater Command said it has deployed naval and air forces troops to reinforce patrols and vigilance, further strengthening control and management over the relevant areas.

The move has effectively addressed various infringement and provocations, with an aim to safeguard China's sovereignty and security while maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to the PLA Southern Theater Command.