In remarks that might defuse tensions with Beijing, Penny Wong reaffirmed Australia’s view that Taiwan is a province of China and said she hasn’t talked to any Taiwanese authorities recently.
Following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s contentious visit to the island last week, the Foreign Minister once more called for de-escalation after China launched ballistic missiles during live-fire drills close to Taiwan.
Visits to Taiwan by foreign dignitaries are seen as recognition of China’s sovereignty because China views the island as a breakaway province that should eventually be incorporated by force.
Senator Wong issued a statement on Friday denouncing China’s firing of missiles into the waters off the coast of Taiwan as “disproportionate and destabilising.”
Her remarks, however, drew an adamantic rebuke from the Chinese embassy in Canberra, which issued a statement declaring that “finger pointing” at Beijing was “unacceptable.”
With the missile attacks, China argues that it was only “safeguarding” its sovereign territory.
Senator Wong did not criticise the Chinese strikes in her Monday calls for calm instead she reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to a “one-China” policy, which states that Taiwan is a part of China.
When asked if she had recently spoken with any Taiwanese officials, Senator Wong replied, “No, not yet.”
She shot down the idea when asked if she intended to meet with the ministers of Taiwan, saying: “We will continue to act in ways consistent with our long-standing bipartisan one-China policy and I think our public statements are clear.”
Senator Wong does not want to run the danger of enraging Beijing by publicly disclosing any higher-level negotiations, even though it is probable that The Australian Office in Taipei, a de facto embassy, is in communication with the Taiwanese government.
However, she also downplayed the likelihood of running across the Chinese envoy.
If a conversation with the ambassador is to take place, it would often take place at the departmental level, she said, adding that she would voice her opinions openly.
Senator Wong recommended caution towards Taiwan in remarks made during a meeting in Canberra with the Latvian foreign minister.
When it comes to reducing cross-Strait tensions, she told reporters, “quiet must be restored and the temperature must be decreased.”
“The region is worried about the possibility of violence and is concerned about escalation, not only Australia,” the statement reads.
In the latest diplomatic escalation after Pelosi’s congressional delegation travel around Asia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Taiwan is not a part of the United States.
Wang said that when it comes to its goals towards Taiwan, the US is engaging in “sophistry,” or false and misleading reasoning, during a visit to Bangladesh on Sunday.
He said that China’s activities toward the island are proper, lawful, and intended to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Beijing erupted in wrath over Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, tearing up a number of discussions and agreements with Washington, particularly on climate change and military. The California Democrat was subject to penalties from China as well on Friday.
Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, persisted on travelling to China’s Taiwan province despite significant objections from China.
This amounts to an egregious intrusion into China’s own affairs.
The one-China principle is profoundly violated, China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are significantly threatened, and peace and stability on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are gravely threatened, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.
“In reaction to Pelosi’s flagrant provocation, China chooses to implement penalties against Pelosi and her direct family members in line with relevant laws of the People’s Republic of China,” the statement said.
Tuesday saw Pelosi’s arrival in Taiwan, ending weeks of anticipation about her decision to go there and perhaps escalating tensions with China, which sees Taiwan as a region that would ultimately be united with the mainland.
Pelosi made history by visiting Taiwan, making her the highest-ranking elected U.S. official to do so in many years.
It spurred China to begin its biggest-ever military drills in the vicinity of Taiwan, which came to an end on Sunday in the wake of Pelosi’s contentious trip to the self-governing island.
e one-China principle, and severely threatens peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,’ a China foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
It added: ‘In response to Pelosi’s egregious provocation, China decides to adopt sanctions on Pelosi and her immediate family members in accordance with relevant laws of the People’s Republic of China.’
Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday after days of speculation about whether she would make the trip and potentially intensify tensions with China, which views Taiwan as a territory that will eventually be reunified with the mainland.
With the visit, Pelosi became the highest-ranking elected U.S. official to visit Taiwan in decades.
It prompted China to launch its largest-ever military exercises surrounding Taiwan, which drew to a close on Sunday following Pelosi’s controversial visit to the self-ruled island.