ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Beijing’s “One China” policy on the issue of Taiwan and expressed firm support for that nation’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity”, the Foreign Office said.
Taiwan is China’s most sensitive issue and is claimed by Beijing as its sacred territory. President Xi Jinping has stepped up pressure on the self-ruled island since Tsai Ing-wen from the “pro-independence” Democratic Progressive Party became president in 2016.
The Foreign Office statement came as Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the US House of Representatives, landed in Taiwan for a controversial visit to the island, offering “unwavering commitment to supporting its vibrant democracy”.
Our delegation’s visit to Taiwan honors America’s unwavering commitment to supporting Taiwan’s vibrant Democracy.
Our discussions with Taiwan leadership reaffirm our support for our partner & promote our shared interests, including advancing a free & open Indo-Pacific region.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 2, 2022
Timed with Pelosi’s arrival, the statement said: “Pakistan is deeply concerned over the evolving situation in the Taiwan Strait, which has serious implications for regional peace and stability.”
It said the world was already reeling through a critical security situation due to the Ukraine crisis, and experiencing its “destabilising” implications for food and energy security.
“The world cannot afford another crisis that has negative consequences for global peace, security and economy,” it said.
The FO said: “Pakistan strongly believes that inter-state relations should be based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful resolution of issues by upholding principles of UN charter, international law and bilateral agreements.”
Responding to the visit, China summoned the US ambassador in Beijing to rebuke him over Pelosi’s “egregious” trip, state media reported on Tuesday night. The deputy foreign minister, Xie Feng, voiced “strong protests” over Pelosi’s visit during his talk with Nicholas Burns.
