Chinese embassy slams UK-US statement as 'groundless accusations'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Sep 2024 20:07

The Chinese embassy in the UK has condemned a joint UK-US statement as groundless, refuting allegations of supporting Russia in Ukraine.

Chinese national flag is raised at the Chinese embassy in London, United Kingdom, Sept. 11, 2023 (AP)

The Chinese embassy in the UK has issued a sharp response to a joint statement by the UK and the US, which criticized China's actions regarding Taiwan, the South China Sea, and its position on the Ukraine war. A spokesperson from the embassy strongly condemned the joint statement, calling it an interference in China's internal affairs and a misrepresentation of facts.

"The so-called joint statement by the UK and the US makes groundless accusations against China and interferes in China's internal affairs. China strongly deplores and firmly rejects this," the spokesperson stated.

On the Taiwan issue, the embassy reiterated China's long-standing position, asserting that the matter is solely an internal affair. "The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair. No external forces have the right to interfere. The biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait now is the separatist activities for 'Taiwan independence' and the interference of external forces," the spokesperson emphasized, reaffirming China's opposition to any movements toward Taiwanese independence.

Addressing disputes in the South China Sea, the embassy claimed China’s sovereignty over the region and criticized external involvement. "China has indisputable territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. China's normal patrol and law enforcement in the waters under its jurisdiction is in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," he stated.

The embassy also accused Philippine vessels of violating regional agreements and warned the UK and the US to avoid escalating tensions. "As non-regional countries, the UK and the US should respect the facts and stop any behavior that provokes confrontation."

The statement further touched on the war in Ukraine, where the embassy refuted allegations that China was supporting Russia's defense efforts. "As for the Ukrainian issue, China has always maintained an objective and fair position, actively promoted peace talks, and pushed for a political solution," the spokesperson noted. "We firmly oppose the relevant countries' constant propagation of disinformation that China supports Russia's defense industry."

The embassy concluded by urging the UK and the US to stop inflaming the situation, stating, "We urge the UK and the US to stop adding fuel to the fire and shifting the blame."

This statement comes amid heightened tensions between China and Western nations over multiple geopolitical issues, signaling an ongoing diplomatic standoff.

German military ships in Taiwan Strait increase security risks: China

Two days ago, China also accused Berlin of exacerbating security risks in the Taiwan Strait following the passage of two German military vessels through the sensitive waters the previous day.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed on Friday that the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the supply vessel Frankfurt am Main had transited the strait.

"The German side's behavior increases security risks and sends incorrect signals," Chinese military spokesperson Li Xi warned in a statement.

While US and other international military vessels frequently navigate the strait, this marks the first time in over two decades that German naval ships have done so, according to German media reports.

Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and claims sovereignty over the strait that lies between the island and mainland China.

Germany and other nations maintain that such passages are routine, emphasizing the principle of freedom of navigation.

Li confirmed that the People's Liberation Army had deployed naval and aerial forces to "monitor and warn off" the German vessels and would "resolutely counter all threats and provocations."

According to German Defense Ministry officials, the two vessels were en route from South Korea to the Philippines. Pistorius noted that the chosen route was "the shortest".

"It is the safest route given the weather conditions. And these are international waters, so we are sailing through them," he added.

Despite Taiwan's limited diplomatic recognition, it has robust alliances with Western nations, notably the United States, its primary weapons supplier.

In response to the vessel transit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, "There is not much to say... it’s an international waterway."

Earlier this week, Taiwan said it "welcomes and affirms Germany, along with the US, Canada and the Netherlands, for taking actions to demonstrate the legal status of the Taiwan Strait as international waters, while defending freedom of navigation and maintaining regional peace at the same time."