Chinese embassy condemns Taiwanese remarks

The Chinese embassy warned Australia not to get involved in its actions over Taiwan, saying it could not tolerate “accusations” against Beijing.

China launched a ballistic missile during a live-fire exercise near Taiwan after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a controversial visit to the island earlier this week.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said Chinese ships and aircraft carried out missions in the Taiwan Strait, some crossing the Central Line, which the Taiwanese military described as a mock attack on the island.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned China’s “disproportionate and unstable” behavior on Friday and said he had expressed his concerns to China’s foreign minister at the East Asia Summit in Cambodia.

The US Secretary of State and Japan’s Foreign Minister also condemned China’s actions.

The Chinese embassy in Australia responded on Saturday with a spokesperson’s statement, expressing concern and “frustration” over the three countries’ statements.

“It is absolutely unacceptable to criticize China’s legitimate actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement said.

The United States has accused the Taiwan Strait of being the biggest threat to peace, and said Australia should not take sides in the maritime dispute between China and Japan.

We also hope that the Australian side will handle the Taiwan issue with caution and will not follow any particular country’s strategy of containing China in Taiwan, causing new problems or turmoil in China-Australia relations.”

Senator Wong said in a statement on Friday that Australia was “deeply concerned” about the ballistic missile launch into the waters around Taiwan.

“It is in all of our interests to keep this region at peace, not conflict. Australia does not want the status quo to be unilaterally changed across the Taiwan Strait.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday Australia will continue to pledge to China to maintain the “status quo” but will protect its interests and values.

Albanese told ABC radio: “We need to maintain our current policy of seeking cooperation and a positive relationship with China wherever possible, but if necessary, we will seek to maintain Australian values ​​and Australia’s national interests. I have to stand up for you,” he said.

“That includes legal issues … enabling safe navigation and passage, including in the South China Sea.”

with Reuters