Q: A Swedish politician claims that if Russia were to succeed in Ukraine, it will send a signal to China that it’s possible to annex the territory of another country. The Philippines and Vietnam are now facing pressure from China in the South China Sea, and Taiwan is facing high risks of being invaded by China. What’s the Chinese side’s comment?

A: We have noticed the relevant report. The remarks by the Swedish side are filled with Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice and are groundless accusations and vilification against China. The Chinese side strongly deplores and opposes this.

First, it’s well known that China is committed to the path of peaceful development. It has never invaded any country, never interfered in other countries’ internal affairs, and never undermined other countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. Among the world’s major countries, China has the best track record with respect to peace and security. China is firmly committed to the independent foreign policy of peace, the development of friendly cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and the win-win strategy of opening up. China is not a threat to anyone, but rather a force for peace and stability in the international community.

We urge the Swedish side not to project onto China the assumption that a strong country is bound to seek hegemony, not to misjudge China with the beaten path of traditional Western powers, and still less to smear China by making up false narratives.

Second, there is but one China in the world. Taiwan is not and never was a sovereign country. It is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and a basic norm in international relations. It is also the political foundation for China to establish and develop diplomatic relations with all countries, including Sweden. Taiwan is not Ukraine. The Taiwan question and the Ukraine issue are different in nature and are not comparable at all. The Taiwan question is entirely China’s internal affair. The Ukraine issue arose from contention between two countries, namely Russia and Ukraine. To compare the Taiwan question to the Ukraine issue is nothing different from endowing Taiwan with the status of a subject in international law, misinterpreting the relations across the Taiwan Strait into relations between countries, and creating “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”. The essence of this comparison is to violate the one-China principle, to infringe on China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to interfere in China’s internal affairs, and to seriously violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

We hope the Swedish side could fully recognize the extreme seriousness and high sensitivity of the Taiwan question, earnestly abide by the one-China principle, stop spreading irresponsible wrong remarks, and do more things that are conducive to the stability across the Taiwan Strait and peace and development of the world.

Third, the South China Sea issue is a matter between China and some ASEAN countries. The Chinese side maintains that maritime disputes should be handled properly with countries directly concerned through negotiation and consultation. At the same time, we will resolutely respond to any infringement and provocation at sea. With the concerted efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the South China Sea has been generally stable. China stands ready to continue working with ASEAN countries to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

We urge countries outside the region including Sweden to play a constructive role in preserving regional peace and stability, and not to make provocations or stir up troubles and problems in the South China Sea.