Staying with the Chinese ambassador’s first-ever address to the National Press Club, and Xiao Qian says US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan represents a “serious violation” of his country’s One China principle.
As many of you will know, Beijing has fired 11 ballistic missiles towards Taiwan and has carried out simulated attacks following the American’s visit to the self-governed island last week.
Xiao Qian speaking at Canberra’s National Press Club. Credit:alex ellinghausen
Taiwan broke away from China in 1949 – at the end of China’s civil war when the communists consolidated power – and is now a democracy.
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China insists that Taiwan is a breakaway state and not its own country. Chinese President Xi Jinping has said that Taiwan’s “reunification” with China is inevitable.
Australia does not recognize Taiwan as a country. However, the federal government maintains unofficial contacts with Taiwan to promote economic, trade and cultural interests.
“[Pelosi’s visit] seriously undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and sends seriously a wrong signal to the separatist forces for the so-called Taiwan independence,” the ambassador said.
David Crowe then asked whether firing missiles into the Taiwan Strait was the action of a “stabilizing nation”.
Here’s Xiao Qian’s response:
The Chinese side is taking action in reaction to what has been done by the US side. And our purpose is to send a message.
The reaction is legitimate, it’s justified and there’s no reason for a reproach. As for how long the military exercise and drills are going to last… I think, in proper time, there’s going to be an announcement.
There’s no room for compromise.
As for the Solomon Islands security deal, the Chinese ambassador says his country respects Australia’s cooperation with other countries and the Albanese government should do the same.
“China respects Australia’s normal exchanges and cooperation with other countries,” he said.
“China has no intention to interfere in or undermine Australia’s relations with a third party. At the same time, it is our belief that China and Australia should make independent judgments and decisions to develop our own bilateral relations based on interests of the people of China.”