Question: Recently, the British Office Taipei, together with the relevant French and German institutions in Taipei, issued a so-called joint statement, which points fingers at China's recent law enforcement operation in the waters east of Taiwan island. What is your comment?

Embassy spokesperson: The move by the UK and other relevant countries' institutions in Taipei constitutes a serious violation of the one-China principle and a blatant interference in China's internal affairs. We strongly condemn this and have lodged solemn representations with the UK side.

There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. China's law enforcement patrols conducted in waters east of China's Taiwan island are legitimate actions taken in accordance with the law to safeguard our national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. They are fully consistent with China's domestic law and international law and brook no external interference.