'China distorts facts and unilaterally conveys its own position'
'China is the party undermining peace and stability'
Taiwan's government pushed back Thursday after Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the United States at a bilateral summit to maintain its opposition to Taiwan independence, calling it China's tactic of "distorting facts and unilaterally conveying its own position and claims."
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a statement on its website Thursday, saying "China is the party that undermines peace and stability in the region."
"The Republic of China Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan's sovereignty rests with all of Taiwan's people," the ministry said. "The Chinese Communist Party regime has no right to represent the people of Taiwan, and Taiwan's future can only be decided by its people through democratic means."
The ministry also said President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly stated that Taiwan is a responsible party committed to maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability, calling this Taiwan's consistent and firm position.
The ministry said China continues to conduct so-called "gray zone" activities and military threats in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait and waters surrounding Taiwan, adding that such activities are widely recognized by the countries concerned as a major source of risk in the region.
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