China lodges representations with Italy, EU over Taiwan separatist's visit

China has lodged solemn representations with Italy and the European Union over a visit by Taiwan politician Hsiao Bi-khim to Italy, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday.

At a press briefing in Beijing, Mao reiterated China's consistent position on the Taiwan question.

"China has lodged solemn representations with the Italian and EU sides over the attendance of a Taiwan separatist politician at a conference in Italy. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities and certain politicians are going to great lengths to seek attention and pursue external support for their secession agenda under the guise of democracy and freedom. Such conduct is disgraceful and ultimately futile," said Mao.

"I want to reiterate that there is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. China consistently and firmly opposes any form of official interaction between countries that have diplomatic relations with China and the Taiwan region. The one-China principle is a widely accepted norm governing international relations and a prevailing consensus of the international community. It also serves as the political foundation for China-Italy and China-EU relations. We urge the parties concerned to uphold the one-China principle through concrete actions," she said.

China opened 15 new international air cargo routes in September, adding 42 round-trip flights per week, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP)’s air logistics division said on Sunday.

The newly launched routes included nine to Asia, four to Europe, and two to North America.

The cargo transported on the routes mainly included cross-border e-commerce goods, fresh food and agricultural products, electromechanical and electronic products, high-end manufactured goods, and consumer goods for daily use.

The flights are operated by nine airlines, eight of which are Chinese carriers.

According to CFLP’s air logistics division, China had opened a total of 130 new international air cargo routes as of September 30 this year, adding more than 334 round-trip flights per week.