Embassy spokesperson's remarks on Taiwan and Hong Kong-Related Reports

Question: The Daily Telegraph recently published a commentary entitled "The craven West needs to stand up for Taiwan", which advocates recognition for "Taiwan independence", and supports the UK taking in "democracy activists" from Hong Kong seeking political asylum. What is the comment of the Chinese Embassy in the UK?

Embassy Spokesperson: This article uses the team name of "Chinese Taipei" at the Tokyo Olympics as a pretext to advocate "Taiwan independence" and criticise the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR. Such smearing of China's policy in relation to Taiwan and Hong Kong is unacceptable. The Chinese Embassy in the UK is gravely concerned and strongly opposed to this.

There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inseparable part of the Chinese territory. The Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole lawful government representing the whole China. These are indisputable facts recognised by the international community. The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and the consensus of the international community which brooks no challenge or distortion.

With regard to participation in the Olympics, the name and emblem of the "Chinese Taipei" team have been clearly defined by the International Olympic Committee in accordance with the Nagoya Resolution adopted in 1979 and previous practices. Such arrangements are essentially aimed at settling the question of the participation of athletes in the Olympics under the one-China principle. Known as the Olympic model, this arrangement has been observed by both sports organisations and the international community.

We have always been active in promoting sports exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, and we are proud of the achievements of athletes from both sides at international sports events. In the meantime, the Chinese Government will not waver in its solemn position of upholding the one-China principle and opposing "Taiwan independence", nor will there be any change in the international consensus on the one-China principle. Any attempt to separate Taiwan from China will end up in failure.

About Hong Kong, the Chinese central government has ensured full and faithful implementation of the policies of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy since the end of British colonial rule in the city. Hong Kong residents have enjoyed unprecedented rights and freedoms. The national security law is aimed at removing legal loopholes in the area of national security. It targets a very few number of criminals who jeopardise national security and it upholds the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents that are enshrined by law.

The judicial authorities in the SAR handle legal cases and prosecute criminals who jeopardise national security in accordance with relevant laws and legal procedures within its remit. This is a specific reflection of the rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong. The national security law has enabled Hong Kong to end chaos and restore stability, which provides a strong support for athletes from China's Hong Kong to perform well at the Tokyo Olympics and is widely welcomed and supported by Hong Kong residents.

The Taiwan question and the affairs related to Hong Kong are issues bearing on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity which are China's core interests and allow no interference by external forces. The Olympics, which embodies the spirit of pursuing excellence and a better self, should not be rendered a tool or platform for political manipulation and interference in other countries' internal affairs. The Chinese side urges The Daily Telegraph to uphold international consensus and professional ethics of journalism, stop politicising sports and creating confusion on sovereignty issues. Your paper should live up to ethics and obligations and report on China in a fair and objective way.