China firmly opposes any distortion of the one-China principle. Some countries add prefix and suffix to the one-China principle which is illegal and invalid, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday. 

He made the remarks regarding a question on the joint statement issued by the U.S., Japan and Australia. The statement said "there is no change in the respective one-China policies, where applicable, and basic positions on Taiwan of Australia, Japan, or the United States."

Wang opposed the use of "where applicable" and said the application of the one-China principle is universal, unconditional and unquestionable.  

All countries that have established diplomatic relations with China and all UN member states should unconditionally abide by the one-China principle. Certain countries add suffix to the one-China principle which is a misinterpretation of the principle, Wang added. 

China urges certain countries to read history and abide by the solemn promises made before.  Any attempt to challenge the one-China principle, the international rule of law and the international order will be opposed by the international community and will not succeed, Wang said. 

(Cover: file photo of Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin. /CFP)