16-1-2024 (BEIJING) China has delivered a stern warning, condemning countries that extended congratulatory messages following the recent presidential elections in Taiwan. Singapore, in particular, faced criticism from the People’s Republic of China for issuing a statement congratulating Dr William Lai on his victory. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Singapore to strictly adhere to the one-China principle and emphasized the importance of maintaining friendly bilateral relationships through concrete actions.
During a Monday briefing, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, responded to questions regarding the Taiwan elections, singling out Singapore for its congratulatory statement issued on January 14. Similar statements were issued by Singapore in 2020 and 2016 when President Tsai Ing-wen and her party secured victories.
Mao stated that China had made “solemn démarches” to Singapore in response to the comments, emphasizing that Singapore had repeatedly acknowledged the Taiwan issue as a “deep red line” for China. “China values this statement and hopes that Singapore will strictly abide by the one-China principle and uphold the overall friendly relations between China and Singapore with concrete actions,” she added.
China’s concerns were not limited to Singapore, as Mao addressed comments from the United States (US), Japan, and several European countries expressing intentions to send delegations to Taiwan for congratulatory purposes. Describing such messages as “wrong practices violating the one-China principle,” Mao highlighted that China had also lodged “solemn démarches” in response.
The spokesperson emphasized that the one-China principle serves as the political premise for establishing diplomatic ties with China. She warned that any party in the international community violating this principle would be deemed as interfering with China’s internal affairs and infringing upon its sovereignty. As tensions rise, China’s strong stance underscores its determination to safeguard its territorial integrity and assert its authority on the Taiwan issue.
