Q: It has been reported that the “Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Montreal” set up by the Taiwan authorities was officially inaugurated on December 4. What are your comments on this?

A: The Canadian side has disregarded China's solemn position and insisted on allowing the Taiwan authorities to set up the so-called “Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Montreal”, which is a serious violation of the one-China principle and sends a wrong signal to the Taiwan authorities. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes this, and has made serious démarche to Canada.

There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is part of China, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The one-China principle is a prevailing international consensus and basic norm in international relations. It is the political foundation on which China develops relations with other nations including Canada. To date, 182 countries have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. This fully shows that standing up for the one-China principle is the right thing to do. It has the overwhelming support of the international community and represents the trend of the world.  The Taiwan authorities’ intention to demonstrate their “international presence” and expand their “international space” by setting up the so-called “Taipei Economic and Cultural Office” is just another political farce of claptrap. Any plot to pursue "Taiwan independence" will not succeed.

China once again urges Canada to abide by the one-China principle and immediately stop supporting “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and jeopardizing China’s core interests. If the Canadian side obstinately continues its wrongdoing, China will respond forcefully, and Canada should bear all the consequences.