Q: It is learnt that an Australian parliamentary group is planning to visit Taiwan and attend so-called “president-elect’s inauguration”. What is your comment?

A: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The one-China principle is the universal consensus of the international community and the bedrock of the political foundation of China-Australia relations. As is clearly stated in the Joint Communique of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Australian Government Concerning the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Australia, the Australian Government recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China, acknowledges the position of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of the People’s Republic of China. Australia’s commitment to the one-China principle is clear-cut in both concept and content.

Parliamentarians carry official titles. The visit to Taiwan by the Australian parliamentarians and their attendance of the “president-elect’s inauguration” violate the one-China principle, blatantly embolden and support the “Taiwan independence” separatist activities. We hope that relevant members of the Australian Parliament will adhere to the fact that “Taiwan is a province of China” and respect the sentiments of the 1.4 billion Chinese people, and refrain from taking sides for “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

We urge the Australian side to abide by its commitment to the one-China principle and fully honor its commitment without any compromise or inconsistency. It is also hoped that the Australian side will work with the Chinese side to safeguard the hard-won positive development of China-Australia relations and avoid unnecessary interference or damage to the relationship between the two countries.