European Parliament delegation's visit to Taiwan irks China

"China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the visit to Taiwan by certain members of the European Parliament and has lodged solemn representation to the European side. As a universally recognized norm governing international relations and the consensus of the international community, the one-China principle is the political foundation for the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations and development of ties. No official interaction with the Taiwan authorities in any form is an inherent requirement of the one-China principle," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a press conference.

"The European Parliament is an important official organ of the EU. It follows naturally that its members should fully recognize the complex and sensitive nature of the Taiwan question, stay true to the commitment made by the EU, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues and keep the political foundation for China-EU relations intact.

"China urges the European side to redress its mistake and avoid sending wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, lest it should cause a serious impact on China-Europe relations," he said.

"The clumsy show of a few people won't shake in the slightest the international community's universal and firm commitment to the one-China principle or the inevitable trend of reunification of China. Their plot is doomed to fail," the senior Chinese official said.

The delegation from the European Parliament visited Taiwan, a region which China considers as a breakaway province, recently.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was given an assurance on Thursday by Raphael Glucksmann, the head of the visiting European Parliament (EP) delegation to Taiwan, that the nation is not alone in its fight for freedom.

"We came here with a simple message Ms the President
@iingwen : Taiwan is not alone. Europe is standing with you in the defense of freedom, democracy and human dignity," Raphael Glucksmann tweeted.