China blasts Munich conference statement as interference in its internal affairs

ISTANBUL

Beijing opposes attempts “to interfere in China’s internal affairs, attack, and smear China,” a spokesman said Monday, criticizing a joint statement from this weekend's Munich Security Conference.

Guo Jiakun, Foreign Ministry spokesman, made the remarks on a joint statement by South Korea, the US and Japan, urging peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues while supporting the participation of Taiwan in international organizations.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province though it has governed itself since 1949. Beijing has vowed to reunify the island, including by force if necessary.

“We’ve lodged serious protests with relevant countries,” said Guo. “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.”

“The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, which brooks no external interference,” he said, emphasizing that “peace and stability” in the Strait rests on adhering to the one-China principle, opposing Taiwan’s independence.

Taiwan’s involvement in international organizations must be managed in accordance with that principle, he added.

Accusing the signatory countries of sowing confrontations and “fueling tensions in the region,” he said Beijing will protect its “territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”