China hopes that relevant Latin American and Caribbean countries will see the prevailing trend of the international community, and act prudently on Taiwan-related issues, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Tuesday.
Lin Jian, the spokesman, made the statement at a press conference in Beijing while responding to a media query on Paraguay's president preparing to receive Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te next month.
"On the so-called 'diplomatic ties' between Paraguay and China's Taiwan region, China has made its position clear more than once. The one-China principle is a basic norm in international relations and an international consensus. Upholding the one-China principle is the right thing to do. It is where the arc of history bends and public opinion trends," said Lin.
"People from various sectors of Latin American countries, including from Paraguay, have visited China in recent years. There is a widely shared view among them that Paraguay needs to stop turning its back on China, stop being an outlier of the international community, and recognize the one-China principle and make a change in its relations with China sooner rather than later. We urge the current administration of Paraguay to stop going against the trend of the times, and reject being manipulated and used by 'Taiwan secession' forces. It needs to listen to the aspiration of the people of Paraguay, and make the right choice that truly serves the fundamental and long-term interests of its people at an early date. We also hope that relevant Latin American and Caribbean countries will see the prevailing trend, act prudently on Taiwan-related issues, and join the big family of China-LAC friendship and cooperation at an early date," Lin added.
Regarding Lai's possible stopover in the U.S., Lin said that China opposes any form of official interactions between the U.S. and China's Taiwan region, urging strict adherence to the one-China principle.
"China firmly opposes any form of official interactions between the U.S. and China's Taiwan region. We oppose any visit to the U.S. by leaders of the Taiwan authorities under whatever reason or pretext. We firmly oppose the U.S. in any way aiding or abetting 'Taiwan secession' separatists and their separatist activities. The U.S. needs to fully understand the high sensitivity of the Taiwan question, abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, and handle the Taiwan question with extra prudence," he said.
China urges relevant countries to handle Taiwan question with extra prudence: spokesman
China urges relevant countries to handle Taiwan question with extra prudence: spokesman
China urges relevant countries to handle Taiwan question with extra prudence: spokesman
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
