Question: It was reported that Taiwan's "deputy foreign minister" Wu Chih-chung recently made a secret visit to Israel. What is China's comment on this?

Embassy Spokesperson: Taiwan is a province of China. It does not have any so-called foreign ministry or deputy minister. China always firmly opposes any form of official exchange between countries having diplomatic relations with China and its Taiwan region. The Chinese Embassy in Israel has made a prompt and stern representation to the Israeli side.

The one-China principle is the consensus of the international community and a basic norm of international relations. It is also the prerequisite and foundation for establishing and developing diplomatic ties between China and countries around the world, including Israel. The China-Israel Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations clearly states that "the Government of the State of Israel recognizes that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China."

The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and constitutes an inviolable red line at the very core of China's core interests. We once again urge the Israeli side to faithfully abide by the one-China principle, correct the erroneous actions and stop sending any wrong signals to separatist forces advocating Taiwan independence, so as to uphold the overall interests of China-Israel relations through concrete actions.