(CNA Reporter Liao Wen-chi, Taipei, 22nd) President Lai Ching-te's overseas trip was postponed due to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China today praised the three African countries for adhering to the "One China principle" and criticized Taiwan for "not having a president." The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that this remark shows the CCP does not allow the existence of the Republic of China, and criticized that "some domestic politicians" should discard their illusions.

President Lai Ching-te was originally scheduled to visit Eswatini today, but the trip was postponed because Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar suddenly canceled the flight permits for the special plane.

Pan Men-an, Secretary-General to the President, pointed out that the three countries canceled the flight permits without warning or reason. The actual reason is that the Chinese authorities exerted strong pressure, including economic coercion, to coerce third countries into deciding their sovereign actions.

In response, TAO spokesperson Zhang Han expressed appreciation at a regular press conference today for the relevant countries' stance and actions in adhering to the One China principle, stating that the One China principle is a basic norm in international relations and a universal consensus of the international community. Zhang Han also "corrected" the Taiwanese media's use of the term "president" three times, claiming that "Taiwan is a part of China, there is no such thing as a president."

The MAC issued a written statement this afternoon saying that the TAO's remarks fully demonstrate that the CCP's One China principle means not allowing the existence of the Republic of China and not recognizing the democratically elected president of the Republic of China. "Some domestic politicians should discard their illusions and stop putting makeup on the CCP's Taiwan policy." (Editor: Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150422

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Taiwan