[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] China has urged the European Union (EU) to recognize the sensitivity of the Taiwan issue and not to damage mutual relations.
China recalled the Lithuanian ambassador stationed in China following conflicts triggered by the Taiwan issue with Lithuania, after Slovenia, the EU presidency country in the second half of the year, criticized this action.
Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 16th, "The Lithuania issue related to Taiwan clearly has right and wrong," adding, "The responsibility lies solely with Lithuania."
He continued, "China urges Slovenia and the EU to take an accurate and objective stance on the Taiwan issue and not to create new problems in China-EU relations due to the Taiwan issue."
Specifically addressing Slovenia, he said, "It should recognize the high sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, uphold the 'One China' principle, and handle the Taiwan issue cautiously," adding, "Do not cause unnecessary interference in bilateral relations."
Earlier, China recalled its ambassador after Lithuania allowed the use of the name 'Taiwan Representative Office' instead of 'Taipei Representative Office,' and also sent back the Lithuanian ambassador stationed in China.
This is because China does not recognize Taiwan as a country under the 'One China' principle.
Countries that have diplomatic relations with China effectively treat Taiwan's diplomatic missions as foreign offices of Taiwan, but instead of using 'Taiwan,' they use the capital city name Taipei (臺北), such as 'Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States' or 'Taipei Representative Office in Korea.'
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