China Urges Pacific Islands Forum to Handle Taiwan-Related Issues Under One-China Principle

Dragon Media News Desk

China has urged the Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to abide by the one-China principle and properly handle Taiwan-related issues.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing on Tuesday, saying that Taiwan-related matters should be managed in a way that does not disrupt the sound and steady development of relations between China and the PIF.

Guo was responding to a question concerning reports that Taiwan would participate in the annual PIF leaders meeting scheduled to be held in Palau from August 30 to September 4.

He said China’s position on the participation of the Taiwan region in activities of international organizations has remained consistent and clear, and that such matters must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle.

Guo also referred to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which China regards as an important diplomatic and legal basis for its position on the one-China principle.

Taiwan was barred from participating in last year’s PIF meeting hosted by the Solomon Islands after China raised objections to its participation.

China has called on the PIF Secretariat to take its position into account when handling Taiwan-related matters and to avoid allowing the issue to affect the continued development of relations between China and Pacific island countries.