On Tuesday last week, an international crisis broke out around the island of Taiwan. US Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi’s sudden visit to the island made China see red. Until the start of this week, China thus held its largest ever military exercise around Taiwan. Tensions are higher than in a long time, both in the Taiwan Strait and between China and the West. At the same time, China’s ambassador to Norway Yi Xianliang says that he is grateful for the support the Norwegian government has given. HANDSHAKE: Ambassador Yi Xianliang receives his credentials from King Harald at the Palace in 2019. Photo: Håkon Mosvold Larsen / NTB Glad for Norwegian support – I have exchanged views with our friends, of course with the Norwegian government. I think both the government and the Norwegian people support our Taiwan policy: the One-China policy, as well as the fact that Taiwan is part of China. We very much appreciate that Norway supports China’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, says Yi to news. STANDING: State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eivind Vad Petersson (Ap) says that Norway is sticking to its “one China” policy. Photo: Sturlason The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would not comment on the matter on Friday. In an e-mail to news earlier this week, State Secretary in the Foreign Ministry, Eivind Vad Petersson (Ap), writes that although the situation in the Taiwan Strait causes concern, it does not change Norway’s policy towards China: – Norway’s “one China” policy remains firm. Like most other countries, Norway does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state. President Biden also emphasized last week that the US’s “one China” policy is firm. We are concerned about the increased tension in the Taiwan Strait. Going forward, it will be important to prevent military activity that further increases the tension in the Taiwan Strait”. Norway’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan Photo: Bjørn Sigurdsøn / NTB Norway has since 1954 recognized the People’s Republic of China as the rightful governing authority in all of China. Norway was also one of the first Western countries to support the People’s Republic of China taking over Taiwan’s seat on the UN Security Council. From 2010 to 2016, there was a break in Norway and China’s diplomatic relations as a result of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Chinese democracy advocate Liu Xiaobo. Norway has no official diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. The nearest representative office to Taiwan is in Stockholm. At the same time, Ambassador Yi issues a warning to all Norwegian politicians who could be inspired by Pelosi. – What would China do if a Norwegian member of parliament or government visited Taiwan? – We would of course be against it. The Storting members belong to the government, they are politicians. We have nothing against cultural and economic ties with Taiwan. But it is serious if a politician touches this matter. That shouldn’t happen, says Yi. WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW: China’s ambassador Yi Xianliang elaborates on China’s position on Taiwan and the relationship with Norway and the West. – If we are forced into a corner, we must react Ambassador Yi says it should not surprise the world that China is holding large military exercises around Taiwan. He is also certain that there will be more such exercises if the US and Taiwan continue with “provocations”. But it is not an easy decision. Increased tensions may also lead to a deeper desire for independence among Taiwanese. – Maybe there are some who fear it. But it is a double-edged sword. If we had done nothing, those who want independence for Taiwan would also have been strengthened, the ambassador replies. And it is not just exercises that can be relevant: – If we are forced into a corner – and you know what that means – then we will have to react. China’s ambassador to Norway, Yi Xianliang, speaks in the ambassador’s residence at Vinderen in Oslo. – In other words, is China willing to go to war if, for example, the United States declares support for an independent Taiwan? – The ball is in the USA’s court. Taiwan is a Chinese province. If what you say happens, 1.4 billion Chinese will stand against any risk. This is a fundamental interest of the nation. But I have faith that the United States will stand by its obligations. I have faith in that, says Yi. – But if you invade Taiwan, wouldn’t the destruction and loss of human life outweigh the goal of reunification? – I don’t think this is a question (for me, ed). This is a technical question. Achieving reunification through the use of force does not necessarily mean a full military operation. This is a question for defense specialists. It’s not me, says Yi. TO MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME: Shortly before Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, US and Chinese Presidents Biden and Xi agreed to meet physically for the first time since Biden was inaugurated as president in 2021. Photo: TYRONE SIU / Reuters – The last 20 years have the desire for “white supremacy” has returned in the West More generally, Ambassador Yi says that Western countries are to blame for the deterioration of relations with China. – I have traveled a lot and worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 30 years. I am convinced that people are good, but some politicians are not so good. The problem with Western countries is that they want to dominate the world. In the last 10-20 years, the desire for “white supremacy” has returned, he says. Yi also believes that China has done nothing to worsen relations with the West and the US. – We Chinese are 1.4 billion people. The fundamental challenge for the government is to meet the needs of this population. We have no additional resources to compete with other countries, says the ambassador.
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– Appreciates the support from the Norwegian government – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
