Spokesman slams Lai Ching-te's challenge on one-China principle

Any attempt to challenge the one-China principle will surely fail, said a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, responded at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on the claim made by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te and Taiwan authorities on United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758.

"There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China. This is an undeniable historical and legal fact and the true status quo of the Taiwan Strait. Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have repeatedly distorted and attacked UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, in a vain attempt to challenge the one-China principle that is universally recognized by the international community. This will only bring shame on themselves and is doomed to fail," said Chen.

Civilians in Yemen continue to flee their homes amid the ongoing conflict, as the humanitarian crisis worsens by the day, UN humanitarians said Wednesday.

Since Aug. 1, more than 184,000 people have been displaced nationwide, including over 21,000 people in the past week alone, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, citing the International Organization for Migration.

According to OCHA, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners have reached more than 126,000 people with life-saving assistance. Nevertheless, it warned that needs continue to outpace the resources available.

The World Health Organization warned of major funding shortfalls as rising displacement, disease outbreaks and conflict put more pressure on an already fragile health system, OCHA said. "Cholera cases have tripled in recent weeks -- including in displacement camps -- while measles, dengue and malaria continue to spread."

Key roads connecting Taiz governorate with major surrounding cities, including Hodeidah, Aden and Sanaa, remain blocked, the office said, adding that the closure severely restricts the movement of civilians and commercial supplies, as well as humanitarian access.

Shortages of essential commodities and medical supplies are being reported, with sharp increases in food and fuel prices, and growing concerns over the availability of flour, cooking gas and medicines, OCHA said.

The office said it was alarmed by reports of civilian casualties, damage to civilian property and heightened risks from explosive hazards, which are further constraining humanitarian access and the safe movement of civilians.

"OCHA continues to assess the humanitarian impact and calls on all parties to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarians' efforts to safely and swiftly reach them with the support they need," it said.