TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) on Saturday (Feb. 8) condemned a joint statement by Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) and Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah that claimed Taiwan as an inseparable part of China.
MOFA reiterated Taiwan's status as a sovereign and independent nation, emphasizing that it is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China. MOFA stated that "the Chinese Communist regime has never governed Taiwan, and any distortion of Taiwan's sovereign status cannot change the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait."
According to MOFA, Taiwan remains undeterred by China's authoritarian pressure and diplomatic suppression. The ministry stressed its commitment to enhancing economic and trade cooperation with Brunei and other countries through what it calls "comprehensive diplomacy," aiming for regional prosperity.
The statement followed Thursday's meeting of the two heads of state and focused on deepening strategic partnerships and advancing the China-Brunei community.
Chinese President Xi met with Brunei's Sultan on Thursday in Beijing. The two sides issued a joint statement on advancing their strategic cooperative partnership, and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in trade, legislation, and joint construction of the Belt and Road.