5-4-2024 (TAIPEI) Taiwan issued strong condemnation towards China on Thursday (April 4) following remarks made by Beijing’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations regarding the recent earthquake on the island.
China, which asserts its authority over Taiwan despite its democratic governance, claimed the right to speak on behalf of the island at an international meeting, sparking outrage from Taipei. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claims, emphasizing that the communist government has never governed the island and lacks legitimacy in determining its leadership.
After a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Taiwan, claiming 10 lives, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, referenced the quake during a discussion on children’s rights, characterizing it as occurring in “China’s Taiwan.” Geng expressed China’s concern over the disaster, extending condolences and offering aid, as per a transcript on the Chinese UN mission’s website.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry swiftly condemned China’s remarks, denouncing its “shameless” attempt to manipulate the international narrative surrounding the earthquake. Taiwan accused China of engaging in psychological warfare, asserting that such actions demonstrated Beijing’s lack of goodwill towards the island.
Despite China’s assertions, Taiwan’s government has already acknowledged and appreciated the messages of support from various governments and leaders worldwide, including from its crucial ally, the United States. Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of China, has maintained its sovereignty since 1949 when the defeated Republic of China government relocated to the island following a civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists, who established the People’s Republic of China.
