The spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Canada remarks a reporter's question.
Q: According to reports, the "Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Montreal" set up by the Taiwan authorities was officially inaugurated on 4 December
A: Ignoring China's solemn position, the Canadian side insisted on allowing the Taiwan authorities to set up the so-called "Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Montreal", which seriously violated the one-China principle and sent a wrong signal to the Taiwan authorities. The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this, and has lodged solemn representations with Canada.
There is only one China in the world, Taiwan is a part of China, and the People's Republic of China** is the only legitimate representative of the whole of China**. The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and a basic norm governing international relations, as well as a political foundation for China's exchanges with all countries, including Canada. 182 countries in the world have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. This fully shows that upholding the one-China principle is the general international interest, the aspiration of the people, and the trend of the times. The Taiwan authorities' move against the trend of the times and their intention to show their "international presence" and expand their "international space" through the establishment of so-called "offices" is nothing but another political farce to sensationalize the public, and any conspiracy to seek "the best of the world" will never succeed.
China once again urges the Canadian side to abide by the one-China principle and immediately stop supporting "China's activities" and undermining China's core interests. If the Canadian side insists on acting recklessly, China will make a strong response, and the Canadian side will bear all the consequences arising therefrom.
*: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Canada.