Iran says supports ‘One China’ policy as Taipei counts election votes

Iran has once again reaffirmed its support for the “One China” policy, saying Beijing has a definite right to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to Press TV, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kan'ani made the announcement on Sunday in response to a question about the result of the Chinese Taipei's presidential election.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran respects the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of countries as a centerpiece of its foreign policy,” Kan'ani said.

Iran has always expressed its support for the “One China” principle, he said.

The Iranian official said Tehran declares its firm support for Beijing’s right to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and also for China’s reunification on the basis of peaceful cross-strait development.

China has sovereignty over Chinese Taipei – also known as Taiwan. Virtually all states recognize that sovereignty under the internationally recognized “One China” policy. It means states would not establish diplomatic contact with the secessionist government in Taipei.

However, Washington, which also recognizes that sovereignty, has long courted Taipei in an attempt to unnerve Beijing.

Beijing has repeatedly warned it will use force, if necessary, to add Taipei to China’s mainland. President Xi Jinping has been articulate about that matter.

On Saturday, ruling-party candidate William Lai Ching-te won Taipei’s presidential election, securing a total of more than 5 million votes.

Lai from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had secured 40.2 percent of the roughly 13.9 million votes cast in a poll that saw a turnout of 70.6 percent, with ballots counted from 98 percent of polling stations.

ME