BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday China firmly opposes and strongly condemns a recent tout visit to Taiwan region by Paraguayan President Santiago Pena, urging the country's government to change course at an early date and make the right political decision to recognize the one-China principle.
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a related query. According to reports, during his visit, Pena has met with Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, and signed several so-called "cooperation documents."
There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, said Guo, adding the one-China principle is the basic norm governing international relations and the prevailing international consensus.
Noting the strong and consistent calls from various sectors in Paraguay to develop relations with China, Guo said relevant polls in Paraguay showed that nearly 90 percent of respondents supported establishing diplomatic ties with China.
"This fully demonstrates that establishing diplomatic relations with China is in the fundamental and long-term interests of the Paraguayan people and colluding with the Taiwan authorities wins no popular support," Guo said.
Guo added that relevant political figures of Paraguay not only turned a blind eye to the above-mentioned fact, but also blatantly visited Taiwan to endorse Lai and his likes in defiance of global criticism and willingly served as pawns for "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. It is apparent for all with a discerning eye to see whether such a move is truly for the benefit of the Paraguayan people or driven by ulterior motives, Guo said.
"The wheel of history will not wait for any country, and deviating from the one-China principle will only isolate oneself from the international community," Guo added. ■
