China's envoy to the Philippines hopes that the Philippines will recognize the one-China principle amid supposed interference in China's internal affairs by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is reported to visit Taiwan.
Huang Xilian, Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, said Tuesday that the one-China principle "is an international consensus and universally-recognized basic norm governing international relations" and the political foundation of the China-Philippines relations.
In a statement, he said: "It is our hope that the Philippine side will strictly abide by the one-China principle and handle all Taiwan-related issues with prudence to ensure sound and steady development of China-Philippines relations."
Huang made the assertion as China sees Pelosi's possible visit to neighboring Taiwan, a self-governing island claimed by China to be part of its territory, as gross interference in China's internal affairs.
"As we have made clear, should the US side insist on doing so, China will take strong and resolute measures to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said as he also warned that "the US side and 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces must assume full responsibility for any ensuing consequences."
Huang also expressed China's firm opposition against the American lawmaker's visit.
"There is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory," Huang said, adding that the government of the "People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China."
"The one-China principle is the political foundation of the diplomatic relations between China and 181 countries in the world, including the US. It is also at the core of the three Sino-US joint communiqués," he concluded.