No change after Taiwan election to ‘basic fact’ there is only one China: Wang Yi
- Chinese foreign minister’s comments aimed not only at world leaders waiting for Beijing’s reaction, but also at Taipei, analysts said
- Saturday’s victory for independence-leaning DPP’s William Lai Ching-te was strongly opposed by Beijing leading up to the vote
Wang said the result would “not change the prevailing consensus” held by the global community on the need to adhere to the one-China principle, according to a statement released on Monday by the Chinese embassy in Washington.
“We believe that the international community, in accordance with the one-China principle, will continue to support the just cause of the Chinese people in striving for national reunification and opposing the separatist activities of seeking Taiwan’s independence,” he said.
Much of Wang’s language in the statement – based on comments he made in Cairo on Sunday – has been employed repeatedly by Beijing. But his remarks come at a time when global capitals are watching closely for the mainland’s reaction to the poll.
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Vice-President William Lai wins Taiwan presidential election as his party loses legislature majority
Beijing worked hard in the run up to Saturday’s ballot to tip the balance in favour of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and upstart Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), which briefly proposed a combined ticket before the deal fell apart.