African Union reaffirms ‘one China’ policy in visit by top diplomat Wang Yi
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia on Jan 8, at the start of a visit to several East African countries.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
- The African Union reaffirmed its commitment to the "One China" policy, opposing Taiwan's independence, during Wang Yi's visit.
- China and the AU expressed concerns about developments in Venezuela, emphasising the importance of respecting sovereignty.
- Wang Yi is visiting Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho amid regional unease over Somaliland's recognition by Israel.
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NAIROBI – The African Union (AU) reaffirmed its commitment to the “one China” policy, denying Taiwan’s independence, during a visit by China’s top diplomat Wang Yi to the union’s headquarters in Ethiopia on Jan 8.
Mr Wang was at the start of a visit to several East African countries at a time when the region has been shaken by Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia – the only country to do so.
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“The African Union side reaffirmed its firm commitment to the ‘one China’ principle, and reaffirmed that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” the AU said in a statement.
Mr Wang will next travel to Somalia, which has sought Chinese support and reaffirmed its commitment to the “one China” principle this week, amid rumours that the United States and other countries may also recognise Somaliland’s independence.
Mr Wang and AU chief Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also “expressed concerns on the recent developments in... Venezuela and reaffirmed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected”, the statement added.
Mr Wang is due to visit Tanzania and Lesotho in the coming days. Both countries have seen relations with the West sour in recent months – with Tanzania criticised by Western countries over a bloody election crackdown, and Lesotho hit by punishing US tariffs. AFP
