SIBU: The two-day visit by the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan on August 2 is a violation of the One China principle and the Three Communiqués, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
In condemning Pelosi's Taiwan visit, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China said this has added fuel to instability in the region.
In a statement Friday (Aug 5), Tiong said at present, the world had not yet recovered from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and was in turmoil due to the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He added that countries were also struggling to revive their economies and maintain peace.
"At this critical moment, it is important to do everything possible in our power to maintain, stabilise and unify the international community and refrain from all moves that would possibly cause division.
"The international community needs to strengthen multilateral cooperation instead of fanning the fires of antagonism further," he said.
Tiong added that since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, every country in the world has realised the enormous damage brought by the conflict on the world order including food crises, soaring international oil prices, disruption of supply chains, and economic recession.
"These events have affected not only one or a few countries but all countries in the world while untold numbers of people are in dire straits, struggling to survive.
"Therefore, all these international powers must realise that the damage caused by unnecessary disputes affects the whole world, and the economies of all countries could stagnate, whether they are in developed or developing nations," he added.
The Special Envoy reiterated the commitment of Malaysia and China to respect each other’s national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We have always adhered to the 'One China' principle. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, and we support the peaceful development and harmonious coexistence of cross-strait relations.”
In addition, Tiong urged the Western countries to not view the Taiwan issue and the Ukraine issue with double standards where on the one hand, they condemned and sanctioned Russia and protested the country’s aggression against Ukraine; but on the other hand, intended to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries in the Taiwan Strait region; calling for respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but using Taiwan to divide China at the same time.
He said these series of interventions which are interfering and violating the sovereignty of other countries in the name of “defending democracy” were contrary to the basic principles of international law and have set a bad example for the international community.
Tiong also said Malaysia hopes for a prompt de-escalation of the situation while calling for the United States to handle the Taiwan Strait situation with care and caution.
"Malaysia has valued a deep-rooted partnership with the People’s Republic of China over the years. It is committed to promoting deeper development and cooperation between the two countries on the basis of the One China principle, maintaining regional stability and building a community of a shared future and destiny for mankind," he said.
