In a formal press briefing on Wednesday, a spokesperson for China’s mainland State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Binhua, reaffirmed unwavering adherence to the one-China principle when governing cross-Strait external interactions, issuing a clear call for all relevant nations to uphold the universal international consensus and stand on the right side of history. The statement was delivered in direct response to the announced upcoming visit of Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te to Eswatini, scheduled to take place between April 22 and 26. “We firmly oppose any actions that seek to create ‘two Chinas’, ‘one China, one Taiwan’, or advance the cause of ‘Taiwan independence’ on the international stage,” Chen emphasized during the conference. He further urged relevant countries to acknowledge the broader global trend that overwhelmingly supports the one-China principle, correct any misaligned policies, and align themselves with the global consensus. Eswatini currently holds the distinction of being the only African nation that maintains so-called ‘diplomatic relations’ with Taiwan, a partnership that was first established in 1968. In a related development, Taiwanese media has reported that as of March 2024, Denmark updated its nationality and birthplace registration rules for Taiwan residents residing within its borders, changing the listed entry from ‘Taiwan’ to ‘China’. In response to this policy adjustment, Taiwan’s so-called ‘foreign affairs department’ announced recently that it has revoked a set of previously granted privileges for Danish representatives based in Taiwan, and has demanded an immediate resolution to the situation it deems problematic. Chen reiterated that the one-China principle stands as a foundational norm governing modern international relations, and is a broadly accepted consensus across the global community. This principle, he noted, reflects the overwhelming will of the international public and the defining trend of the contemporary era. He added that no maneuvering by the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan can alter the established fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, nor can it erode the widespread global commitment to the one-China principle.
Mainland reaffirms one-China principle amid Taiwan leader’s planned visit to Eswatini
