The DPP authorities have now responded. Following our sanctions against Paraguayan Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Villalobos, and Belizean Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca, Taiwan’s so-called "Foreign Ministry" claimed on October 12 that Beijing’s actions constitute a blatant interference in the sovereignty and foreign policy of other nations, an attempt to exert political intimidation to force Taiwan’s so-called “diplomatic allies” into submission.

The DPP authorities described such conduct as questionable in intent and base in method. They assert that Beijing has no authority to interfere in Taiwan’s “diplomatic” relations, and maintain that Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with Paraguay and Belize. How do we assess this reaction? To be frank, such a response comes as no surprise. The DPP’s move serves two purposes: first, to bolster support for its so-called “diplomatic allies”; second, to disseminate misleading information internationally in an effort to deny the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

Politicians from Paraguay and Belize may be emboldened by their lack of diplomatic ties with us, repeatedly provoking on the Taiwan issue and undermining China’s interests. However, the times have changed. Our imposition of sanctions on political figures from non-diplomatic states demonstrates that the criterion for sanctions is not whether a country maintains formal diplomatic relations with China, but rather whether their actions have harmed China’s national interests.

In short, we will not tolerate malicious interference in China’s internal affairs aimed at advancing personal or political gain. Yet from a broader perspective, this marks the first time China has imposed sanctions on officials from non-diplomatic countries, signaling a further strengthening of China’s resolve to oppose separatism and external interference, and to promote reunification. The operational space available to “Taiwan independence” forces is being progressively squeezed, while the momentum toward national reunification continues to advance.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878848914283658/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.