On 26 July, the Chinese Embassy in the UK held a reception to celebrate the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China. 

In his speech at the reception, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguangto emphasised: Taiwan is an inseparable part of the Chinese territory. Taiwan is China’s Taiwan. The Taiwan question is China’s domestic affair, and no foreign force has the right to interfere. We are firmly against any move that aims to upgrade substantive relations with Taiwan. The one-China principle is a red line that must not be crossed.

Ambassador Zheng pointed out: At the moment, the biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait comes from the obdurate separatist activities of “Taiwan independence’” elements and the connivance and support of certain external forces. We will strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and efforts, but we resolutely oppose any separatist move towards “Taiwan independence” and any foreign interference. Seeking “Taiwan independence” will get nowhere. No one should underestimate the great resolve, firm will and strong capability of the Chinese people in defending our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.