Taipei [Taiwan], April 25 (ANI): Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has sharply criticised Beijing after Chinese officials dismissed the existence of the Republic of China (ROC) presidency, escalating tensions following the abrupt cancellation of President William Lai’s planned trip to Africa, The Taipei Times reported.
Lai was due to visit Eswatini, Taiwan’s sole diplomatic partner in Africa, earlier this week, but the trip was called off after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar suddenly withdrew overflight clearances for his chartered plane.
Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an said the disruptions resulted from “intense pressure” by China, including what he characterised as economic coercion against the three African nations.
The episode has renewed concerns in Taipei about Beijing’s growing influence over smaller countries.
At a press briefing, MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh denounced comments from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office and foreign ministry that he said effectively deny the ROC’s existence and its head of state. Liang said Beijing’s rhetoric amounted to an effort to erase Taiwan’s political identity internationally, The Taipei Times noted.
Chinese officials reiterated the “One China” principle, with a Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson insisting there is “only one China” and a foreign ministry statement asserting that the ROC presidency “no longer exists.” Taiwan has rejected those claims, insisting the ROC is a sovereign state with a democratically elected government, according to Taipei Times.
China’s claim over Taiwan is rooted in complex historical, political and legal arguments; Beijing regards Taiwan as part of the People’s Republic of China, a stance reflected in its laws and official statements. (ANI)
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