Beijing fumes over British Minister's visit to Taiwan, asks UK to respect one-China policy

As conflict between China and Taiwan continues to stretch, Beijing has now urged United Kingdom to abide by One-China principle and stop all forms of official contact with Taipei, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. He also confirmed that his government has asked London to stop sending false signals to pro-independence separatist forces on island, reported Sputnik.

This development comes as UK government confirmed that UK Minister of State for Tre Policy Greg Hands will travel to Taiwan for an official two-day visit on Monday. Notably,  trip has been scheduled to co-host 25th annual UK-Taiwan Tre Talks in Taipei, and meet with he of Taiwanese ministration, Tsai Ing-wen. Also, UK Minister is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Taiwanese government to boost collaboration on technology and innovation.

Beijing asks London to respect 'One-China policy', cease official contact with Taiwan

"We have repeatedly stated China's fundamental position on Taiwan issue. re is only one China in world, and Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory. China strongly opposes any official contact between Taiwan and countries that have diplomatic relations with China," Zhao told a briefing.

bilateral ties between China and UK could grow stronger only if London respected "One-China principle,"  spokesperson said. "We call on British side to respect China’s sovereignty, strictly abide by One-China principle, cease all forms of official contact with Taiwan, and stop sending false signals to pro-independence separatist forces," he said.

Ever since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi paid a visit to Taiwan, tensions between US and China have escalated. Pelosi's visit was strongly condemned by China and viewed as a gesture of support for separatism. Later, Beijing also launched large-scale military exercises in vicinity of island. Since n, several countries, including Germany, have sent a delegation to island nation, leing to furr escalation of tensions in Taiwan Strait. Since 1949, Taiwan has been governed independently from Mainland China. However, Beijing has been opposing any official contacts of foreign states with Taiwan and considers its sovereignty over island indisputable.

Image: AP/ Representative