A Chinese central government spokeswoman on Wednesday strongly condemned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for transferring a retired coast guard vessel to the Philippines, saying DPP's abandonment of national principles for 'cooperation' with Philippines is deeply contemptible.
Zhu Fenglian, the spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to reports that a decommissioned Taiwan patrol vessel donated to the Philippines had been converted into a Philippine law enforcement ship. Taiwan's coast guard agency said the case was handled "in line with precedent," noting that Taiwan has signed fisheries agreements and established consultation mechanisms with countries including the Philippines, and would continue to pursue further cooperation and exchanges.
"There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China. People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should jointly safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and uphold the overall and fundamental interests of the Chinese nation," she said.
"The DPP authorities have turned a blind eye to infringements by Japan and the Philippines, which have announced the launch of 'maritime delimitation negotiations' in waters east of Taiwan. Rather than doing its utmost to protect the interests of people on the island, the DPP authorities have helped those with malignant motives, raising the risk to local fishermen's rights. They have betrayed their own nation, and that is despicable," said Zhu.
Chinese cemtral government condemns Taiwan's DPP authorities for donating retired patrol ship to Philippines
Austria has sent 48 young professionals -- Europe's largest national team -- to compete at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, which is being held from Tuesday to Sunday in Shanghai.
The Austrian competitors hail from a wide range of trades, from railway work and cement masonry to hairdressing and baking. All delegation members for this year's competition are under 22.
"In Austria the topic 'skills and competition' is very important. And so we say ok, let's send a big team because we want to produce motivators for the next generation. And what's [a better] motivator than the guy who competed in a WorldSkills competitionn," said Jurgen Kraft, head of Team Austria.
Although Austria last topped the gold medal table nearly three decades ago, the country is aiming for a comeback performance with this year's delegation.
"The chances of winning the most gold medals from all countries -- to be honest not that high, it's always China on top. But we are trying to be the best European country competing there," said Tarik Begeta, a member of the team.
Held every two years, the WorldSkills Competition is the world's largest international gathering of skilled professionals. This year's event will feature 64 skills, including seven new categories such as software testing and unmanned aerial systems. It has brought together about 1,400 competitors from nearly 70 countries and regions.
The competition covers six major skill areas, including manufacturing and engineering technology, information and communication technology, construction and building technology, transportation and logistics, creative arts and fashion, and social and personal services.
Austria sends Europe's biggest team to WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai
