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Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly criticised Laos for endorsing China's claim that Taiwan is part of China, describing the statement as a deliberate distortion of historical and political realities. The ministry warned that such remarks could embolden China's increasingly aggressive posture toward Taiwan and threaten peace, as reported by Taiwan News.
According to Taiwan News, the controversy emerged after Laos issued a statement last week opposing any attempts to divide China or interfere in what it described as China's internal affairs. Taiwan rejected the assertion, arguing that it falsely portrays Taiwan's status and aligns with Beijing's efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally. Officials in Taipei expressed concern that repeated endorsements of China's position by foreign governments could be interpreted by Beijing as support for the potential use of force against Taiwan. In its response, the foreign ministry accused China of exerting diplomatic pressure on friendly nations to issue statements that undermine Taiwan's sovereignty. Officials said China continues to spread misleading narratives aimed at convincing the international community that Taiwan is subordinate to the People's Republic of China. Taipei also delivered a pointed warning to the Lao government, arguing that accommodating authoritarian powers does not guarantee security or economic benefits. The ministry suggested that Laos' close alignment with Beijing would not resolve concerns related to debt burdens associated with projects linked to China's Belt and Road Initiative. The ministry characterised excessive dependence on China as a risky strategy that could ultimately deepen economic vulnerabilities, as highlighted by Taiwan News. Reaffirming its long-standing position, the ministry stated that Taiwan and China are separate entities and that the Chinese Communist Party has never exercised authority over Taiwan. It stressed that no government has the right to deny Taiwan's existence or determine its future. Taiwanese officials urged countries around the world not to repeat narratives that weaken Taiwan's sovereignty or legitimise authoritarian expansionism, as reported by Taiwan News. (ANI)
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