The Chinese embassy in London has condemned the recent meeting between the UK's security minister, Tom Tugendhat, and Taiwan's digital affairs minister, Audrey Tang, stating that it
violates international relations. According to Reuters, Tugendhat met with Tang during his visit to Britain, where they reportedly discussed mutual security interests. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and strongly opposes any perceived foreign interference in the region.
In response to the meeting, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in London issued a statement, saying that it "seriously violates the one-China principle and the basic norms of international relations." The spokesperson further expressed concern that the meeting sends a wrong signal to those advocating for Taiwan's independence and interferes with China's internal affairs. China strongly disapproves of and firmly opposes this interaction.
The United Kingdom maintains formal diplomatic relations with Beijing but also maintains a de facto embassy in Taipei. While junior British ministers have held talks with Taiwanese counterparts in the past, it has been a convention for senior British ministers not to meet with Taiwanese officials.
Tom Tugendhat, who previously faced sanctions from China for speaking out against human rights abuses in Xinjiang, is not a full Cabinet minister but attends Cabinet meetings in his capacity as security minister. His responsibilities include countering terrorism, addressing domestic threats, and combating economic crime.
The Chinese embassy spokesperson warned the UK that any actions perceived as undermining China's interests will be met with resolute responses. The meeting between Tugendhat and Tang has sparked tension between China and the UK, further complicating their already delicate diplomatic relations. Photo by Chmee2, Wikimedia commons.