1. Q: Will the Taiwan region be invited to the 9th Our Ocean Conference?

A: The one-China principle is a universally recognized basic norm governing international relations and a prevailing international consensus. The Taiwan region is not and has never been a sovereign country. The participation of the Taiwan region in international organizations and events must be handled in accordance with the one-China principle. The 9th Our Ocean Conference is a platform for discussing maritime environment protection and marine economy development, which is mainly attended by sovereign countries. And the Chinese government will send a delegation to attend this conference. The Democratic Progressive Party(DPP) authorities of the Taiwan Region refuse to accept the one-China principle and harbor a plot to conduct separatist activities under the pretext of maritime affairs. Thus, the DPP authorities should not be allowed to attend this conference. And all parties should be vigilant against the DPP authorities’ separatist agenda.

2. Q: Recently, certain forces have claimed that they oppose changing the status quo with force in the Taiwan Strait, and they will urge China to support "freedom of navigation" in the Taiwan Strait. What is your comment on this?

A: It is a kind of narrative trap. There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory. This is the true status quo of the Taiwan Strait issue, widely recognized by the international community, including Greece. The attempt to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait does not come from the mainland of China, but from the "Taiwan independence" forces and external forces who have been meddling in the Taiwan question by fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle. The so-called "unacceptable unilateral use of force to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait" is actually rewarding "Taiwan independence" under the guise of "opposing war", and condoning "peaceful separation" under the banner of "peace". China will never accept this.

According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and Chinese laws, the waters of the Taiwan Strait, extending from both shores toward the middle of the Strait, are divided into several zones including internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, and the Exclusive Economic Zone. China has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Taiwan Strait. At the same time, it respects the lawful rights of other countries in relevant waters. China firmly opposes any country creating incidents in the Taiwan Strait region under the pretext of "freedom of navigation", which would harm China's sovereignty and security.