Beijing welcomes Malaysian PM's reaffirmation of one-China principle

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent reaffirmation that "Taiwan is part of China."

When asked about the Taiwan question in a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Anwar said that the one-China principle has been widely accepted worldwide.

If one province of Malaysia decides to break away, "I think I will protect the sanctity and unity of the nation," said Anwar.

In response, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday that the Chinese side appreciates the Malaysian Prime Minister's remarks.

Lin said, upholding the one-China principle reflects a prevailing consensus and the cause of justice of the international community, which is unshakable.

There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, he said. "China must and will inevitably be reunified, a historical trend that cannot be altered."

Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. In a joint communique signed that day, Malaysia recognized the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and acknowledged that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. Malaysia has since repeatedly reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China principle.

(With input from Xinhua)