BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A number of foreign countries Thursday voiced
opposition to Taiwan authorities' attempt to hold a referendum on joining the
United Nations, reiterating their commitment to the one China policy.
The French government is "strongly" opposed to the proposed referendum,
said Pacale Andreani, a spokeswoman of the French Foreign Ministry.
"France's position remains unchanged and clear over this issue... This
initiative is useless and regrettable," she told a news conference, quoting
French President Nicolas Sarkozy's remarks on the referendum.
"We are opposed to any unilateral initiative which could disturb the status
quo. There is need to promote dialogue, cooperation and stability in the
region," Andreani said.
She reiterated her country's one China policy, saying Taiwan is an
"integral" part of China.
The Spanish government will adhere to the one China policy and is concerned
about Taiwan authorities' scheduled referendum on UN membership in the name of
Taiwan, the Spanish Foreign Ministry said in a press release.
Such unilateral acts are not conducive to regional stability, peace and
development, said the ministry.
In a statement posted on its website, the Portuguese Foreign Ministry said
Taiwan authorities' attempt to hold the referendum will ferment tension across
the Taiwan Straits and endanger the interests of all parties concerned,
including the people on the island.
The Portuguese government reaffirms its adherence to the one China policy
and maintains that the Taiwan question should be resolved by peaceful means,
said the statement.
The Argentine Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Argentine
government shows "grave concern" over Taiwan authorities' insistence on the
referendum.
Argentina reiterates its adherence to the one China policy, said the
statement, adding that the referendum will exacerbate tension in the region and
is not conducive to a peaceful solution to the Taiwan question.
The Kazakh government is opposed to "Taiwan independence" and any attempt
at "Two Chinas," Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Nurlan B. Yermekbayev said in an
interview with Chinese media.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory and the government
of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing
China, he said.