China's Foreign Ministry Briefing Takes Two Taiwan Questions: Rebuts U.S. Remarks on Waters East of Taiwan, Criticises Lai's Speech
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning took two Taiwan-related questions at the regular press briefing on October 12, Xinhua and CCTV reported. On U.S. officials' remarks concerning waters east of Taiwan, Mao said navigation and overflight there pose no issue, and accused Washington of selectively interpreting the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea by ignoring coastal states' rights to maritime claims and peaceful use — an interpretation she said “completely does not hold water.”
On Lai Ching-te's October 10 “Double Tenth” address, Mao said the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and Taiwan's future can only be decided by the Chinese people; neither a referendum nor speeches by Taiwan's leadership can separate Taiwan from the motherland. She said Lai had again spread “Taiwan independence” fallacies and warned parties on the island against relying on foreign support or force to seek independence. The remarks followed Lai's pledge to accelerate the “T-Dome” air defence system and raise defence spending. (Sources: Xinhua, CCTV)
Source: 新华社、央视
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 中国海军驱逐舰资料图，公有领域（Wikimedia Commons）
