Specific Countermeasures Against Brazil? Executive Yuan Evaluates Bilateral Trade and Relations
Following the Brazilian representative's remark that "Taiwan is part of China," Taiwan's government lodged a stern protest and is currently evaluating potential diplomatic and economic countermeasures.
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- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 13:56
- 🔍 Collected: April 16, 2026 at 14:31 (35 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 03:39 (61h 7m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA reporters Lai Yu-chen, Kao Hua-chien, Taipei, 16th) Luís Cláudio Villafañe Gomes Santos, the Brazilian representative to Taiwan, stated in a media interview that "Taiwan is part of China." The public is closely watching whether the government will take countermeasures beyond verbal protests. The Executive Yuan stated today that it will exchange views with relevant competent authorities and carefully evaluate possible responses based on overall bilateral diplomatic and economic relations.
Luís Cláudio Villafañe Gomes Santos, director of the Commercial Office of Brazil to Taipei, recently said in an exclusive interview with Up Media that Taiwan is a part of China and that most countries do not recognize Taiwan as an independent country, sparking concern. In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing immediate protest, Premier Cho Jung-tai also mentioned in an interview yesterday that necessary protests would be made.
Li Hui-chih, spokesperson for the Executive Yuan, responded to a reporter's question during the post-cabinet meeting press conference today, stating that Taiwan had already expressed stern protest against the Brazilian representative's remarks at the first opportunity. The Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent sovereign state, and it is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China; this is a globally recognized, objective status quo.
Han Chih-cheng, Director General of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also pointed out at the press conference that the Republic of China is an independent sovereign country whose dignity must not be compromised. On the morning of the 13th, serious concern and protest were directly expressed to Santos over the phone. Strong dissatisfaction was voiced regarding his inappropriate remarks, and he was urged to note that diplomatic representatives have an obligation under international law not to interfere in the domestic affairs of their host country.
Han explained that Santos did not respond much on the phone, but explained that several articles actually portrayed Taiwan positively, and he had already acknowledged Taiwan's protests and concerns.
The media asked if there would be specific countermeasures beyond verbal protests. Li Hui-chih responded that subsequent actions regarding the overall diplomatic and economic bilateral relationship will be discussed with various authorities and evaluated carefully.
Han Chih-cheng explained that no potential countermeasures will be ruled out, but any actions must be thoroughly evaluated for effectiveness. They will research and evaluate all feasible approaches. (Editor: Chang Jo-yao) 1150416
(CNA reporters Lai Yu-chen, Kao Hua-chien, Taipei, 16th) Luís Cláudio Villafañe Gomes Santos, the Brazilian representative to Taiwan, stated in a media interview that "Taiwan is part of China." The public is closely watching whether the government will take countermeasures beyond verbal protests. The Executive Yuan stated today that it will exchange views with relevant competent authorities and carefully evaluate possible responses based on overall bilateral diplomatic and economic relations.
Luís Cláudio Villafañe Gomes Santos, director of the Commercial Office of Brazil to Taipei, recently said in an exclusive interview with Up Media that Taiwan is a part of China and that most countries do not recognize Taiwan as an independent country, sparking concern. In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing immediate protest, Premier Cho Jung-tai also mentioned in an interview yesterday that necessary protests would be made.
Li Hui-chih, spokesperson for the Executive Yuan, responded to a reporter's question during the post-cabinet meeting press conference today, stating that Taiwan had already expressed stern protest against the Brazilian representative's remarks at the first opportunity. The Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent sovereign state, and it is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China; this is a globally recognized, objective status quo.
Han Chih-cheng, Director General of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also pointed out at the press conference that the Republic of China is an independent sovereign country whose dignity must not be compromised. On the morning of the 13th, serious concern and protest were directly expressed to Santos over the phone. Strong dissatisfaction was voiced regarding his inappropriate remarks, and he was urged to note that diplomatic representatives have an obligation under international law not to interfere in the domestic affairs of their host country.
Han explained that Santos did not respond much on the phone, but explained that several articles actually portrayed Taiwan positively, and he had already acknowledged Taiwan's protests and concerns.
The media asked if there would be specific countermeasures beyond verbal protests. Li Hui-chih responded that subsequent actions regarding the overall diplomatic and economic bilateral relationship will be discussed with various authorities and evaluated carefully.
Han Chih-cheng explained that no potential countermeasures will be ruled out, but any actions must be thoroughly evaluated for effectiveness. They will research and evaluate all feasible approaches. (Editor: Chang Jo-yao) 1150416