China's Foreign Ministry is urging the United Kingdom is commit to the One-China principle, putting all forms of official contact with Taiwan to a halt, and to stop sending false signals to separatist forces on the Chinese island.

Zhao Lijian, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stressed on Monday "We have repeatedly stated China's fundamental position on the Taiwan issue. There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory. China strongly opposes any official contact between Taiwan and countries that have diplomatic relations with China."

The British Minister of State for Trade Policy, Greg Hands, will be traveling to Taiwan, going on an official 2-day visit on Monday to co-host the 25th annual UK-Taiwan Trade Talks in Taipei. 

Hands will also be meeting with the Taiwanese administration, headed by Tsai Ing-wen, and will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration on technology and innovation.

Zhao stressed that the One-China principle is the political foundation for British-Chinese bilateral relations. 

"We call on the British side to respect China’s sovereignty, strictly abide by the One-China principle, cease all forms of official contact with Taiwan and stop sending false signals to pro-independence separatist forces," Zhao urged. 

G7: Stance on the One-China principle has not changed

Last week, the G7 economies - of which the UK is part of - said they will be committing to developing cooperation with China on matters of mutual interest and noted the need for a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan issue.

"We, the G7 members, aim for constructive cooperation with China, where possible and in our interest, in particular on global challenges like peace and security, global health, the climate and biodiversity crisis, and the conservation of natural resources. These challenges can only be tackled successfully through cooperation within the rules-based international order," a statement said.

The importance of peace and stability in Taiwan was also noted by the group that called for peacefully resolving the problems around the Taiwan Strait.

The G7 states added that their stances on the One-China principle have not changed.

The situation in the region escalated following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's August visit to Taiwan. China’s Foreign Ministry slammed Pelosi's visit and said US and Taiwan separatist forces should bear all consequences of the measures China will take in response. Despite this, several states, including Germany, sent delegations to the island ever since, which further increases tensions in the Taiwan Strait.