Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the pro-independence Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen and her ruling Democratic Progressive Party have taken epidemic prevention as an opportunity to advance their "Taiwan independence" agenda by elevating “substantive relations” with the United States and other relevant countries and regions, and seeking an “enhanced international profile” through “pragmatic diplomacy”. In order to serve the U.S. administration' grand strategy to contain and “decouple” from China, Taiwan authorities have been closely following the U.S. in its campaign of discrediting and slandering China, placing multiple obstacles to hamper normal cross-strait exchanges, trying to cut off economic ties with mainland, and looking for “enhanced international visibility” by extending medical assistance to some countries around the world.

The U.S.administration, on the other hand, has become increasingly provocative to challenge China's bottom line on national sovereignty and territorial integrity by blatantly supporting Taiwan's attempt to join the World Health Organization, approving arms sales to Taiwan, signing into law the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act of 2019, a bill expressing Washington’s support for Taiwan in strengthening its relationships with countries around the world. In the efforts to backup Taiwan authorities’ separatist activities, the frequency of U.S. warships and aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait has also increased significantly in recent months.

The visits to Taiwan by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary and Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment have further shown Washington’s unprecedented support to the Taiwan authorities’ acts of splitting the motherland and intensified provocation against China on Taiwan question, leading to riskier situation in the Taiwan Straits. The U.S. Administration’s reckless moves severely violate the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, bolster "Taiwan independence" separatists, and seriously undermines China-US relations as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. China has categorically denounced Washington’s wanton approach on Taiwan question and made necessary responses, including accelerating its military preparedness.

The U.S.administration also exert great pressure and encourage some other countries to support the separatist forces for Taiwan independence. At the instigation of the United States, and in defiance of the strong opposition from the Chinese side and the Czech government, the Czech Senate Speaker insisted on visiting Taiwan, and even abetted other countries in following suit. China has expressed strong condemnation and taken resolute countermeasures against the disgraceful behavior of anti-China forces in the Czech Republic who deliberately violate China's sovereignty and blatantly interfere in China's internal affairs. They will pay the heavy price for their short-sighted behaviors and political opportunism.

There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, which has been the general consensus of the international community. No matter how the Taiwan authorities and some anti-China forces manipulate it, it will not change this fact. Adherence to the One China principle is the political foundation for China to establish, maintain and develop diplomatic relations with all the other countries. Anybody holding public power in any country which has established diplomatic ties with China should abide by this political commitment. In a nutshell, One China principle is a touchstone for China’s relations with other countries.

To some politicians in the United States and other western countries who seek political self-interests by supporting “Taiwan independence”, they should clearly understand that China will never compromise on its core interests. One China principle is non-negotiable. To challenge China’s position over the Taiwan question is to make an enemy of 1.4 billion Chinese people and is a severe violation of international law and conduct. Whoever obstinately support “Taiwan independence” will disgrace themselves in the end. To Taiwan authorities and secessionist forces in Taiwan, "Taiwan independence" is a dead end.

The reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is the trend of history. China is willing to create a vast space for peaceful reunification, but will not leave any room for any form of separatist activities.The Chinese government and people are firm in their determination to oppose any foreign meddling in China’s internal affairs and to realize the reunification of the two sides across the Taiwan Strait.

Recently, the Chinese Army carried out military exercises which targeted the interference of foreign forces in China's internal affairs and "Taiwan independence" activities, but not Taiwan's people.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa in 1998, the ANC government has always supported China’s positions on Taiwan question and other issues concerning China’s core interests, which has laid a solid political foundation for the sound and rapid development of bilateral relations. The two countries trust each other as good friends, good partners and good brothers, and have maintained regular communication and strengthen coordination on multilateral platforms such as the BRICS, the G20 and the United Nations, with a view to deepening the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership. The cordial cooperation and exchanges between China and South Africa have yielded substantial results, which will greatly benefit the two countries and their peoples in the years to come.