Britain must support Taiwan’s sovereignty or risk a breakdown in diplomatic ties, China’s UK ambassador has suggested.
Writing in the Telegraph, Zheng Zeguang said that “the key to ensuring meaningful and strong development of UK-China Relations” is the acceptance by the British government that “both sides of the Taiwan strait belong to … China”.
The intervention comes at a time when Beijing has been raised by the Chinese Spy Case and calls to cancel the construction of the Super Embassy in London Affid Searres may have bought sensitive data cables.
In the article, Mr. Zheng writes that Britain made a “reluctant commitment” to protect China’s sovereignty over Taiwan when diplomatic relations were established with the Republic of China (PRC) in 1972.
He said: “This history should not be forgotten.
The position of the UK government has long been to accept China’s claim to Taiwan without promoting it – a policy known as “strategic ambiguity”.
The Chinese Ambassador quoted in the joint meeting of 1972 with this deliberately vague position, but interpreting “British consent” as the acceptance of China’s claims to Taiwan, a common execution for Beijing’s diplomats.
Mr Zheng referred to two sections from the public in which Britain “recognizes the position of the Chinese government in the province” of the PRC and “recognizes” the Chinese Communist Party as the Government in “China”.
He wrote: “It is only after the UK made this immeasurable commitment that the formal formal relationship between China and the UK was established. This history should not be forgotten.”
While fighting for a “peaceful restoration”
“We hope that the UK government will honor the strategic commitments made in 1972 … handle the issues related to Taiwan with understanding and in line with China’s policy.”
Taiwan soldiers sent to live Ammunition artillery training to prepare for Chinese aggression – Daniel Ceng / Anadolu via Getty Images
The Ambassador’s comments will pile more pressure on Sir Keir Starmer at a time when the Prime Minister is already facing allegations of a Besijing revival.
For weeks, the Government deliberately suppressed the trial of former Christopher Cash and his friend Christopher Berry to avoid offending the Chinese.
National Security Concerns
Labor has been pushing for Chinese investment as part of its election pledge to “kickstart economic growth” and bring about “years of national rejuvenation”.
But critics say it has prioritized foreign investment and trade relations over national security concerns.
China has also made a formal application to build a large political complex in East London, near Tower Bridge and St Katharine Docks, on the former site of the Royal Mint.
Security experts and intelligence officials are worried about the potential of the Espionage building, because it could contain a “spy hole” that would give Chinese agents access to the city of London.
Victor Gao, a former adviser to the Chinese government, recently warned that refusing Beijing’s permission to build an embassy would be “stupid” because he “fully knows all the consequences if that happens”.
Taiwan Coast Guard vessels and speedboats conduct joint exercise in Kaohsiung – Daniel Ceng / Anadolu via Getty Images
In response to the diplomats’ comments, Tom Tugendhat, the former Minister of Security, told the Telegraph: “Since 1972, the historical fact has never seen or supported these claims, including absolute sovereignty over the island.
“Beijing’s efforts to distort international law, including requests that the UNGA’s decision to acquire power in Taiwan, should be opposed. These are important things for the people of Taiwan to find that they are legal.
“More broadly, Taiwan’s strategic importance is woefully under-estimated. It is a democracy, and an important partner in many sectors – not least the production of one of the world’s most important commodities.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “Taiwan’s long-standing position has not changed.
“We think that the one-Taiwan dispute will be resolved peacefully by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through dialogue, not through mutual efforts to change the status quo.”
In the article, Mr Zheng also criticized the Taiwanese government, which is led by the National-Leaded Democratic Progressive Party. “The biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait comes from separatist activities of ‘Taiwan independence’ and foreign funding and support,” he said.
Taiwan is not a charter member of the United Nations. But Mr. Zheng says that the United Nations resolution 2578, which established the PRC as the official representative of China in the UN, and prohibits Taiwan from any cooperation with the UN and other international bodies.
The British government rejected this position, arguing that Taiwan should be allowed to participate in international affairs, either as a guest or guest or as a full member.
Emily Thornberberbhere, Labor MP and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, told the Telegraph that Britad Progs in Taiwan “have not changed” and the UK will maintain links with the government there.
“Our relationship with China remains strong, based on strong trade and people-to-people links. While the UK does not have a formal relationship with Taiwan, we do have a strong, informal relationship,
Alicia Kearns, a Conservative MP who previously employed Mr Cash as a Parliamentary Researcher, said: “China’s Amburvador shows a willful disregard for the long-standing position in Taiwan, and his threats to govern show the extent of Beijing’s position.”
“Unfortunately, the Labor Government has shown a revealing and insensitive failure to take the ceremony of receiving the ambassador and the threat of provocation against Hong Kongers,” he said, referring to the efforts of the two suspected spies.
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