MOFA calls out China for its 'erroneous claim' over Taiwan

Taipei, Jan. 18 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Saturday called out China for its "erroneous claim" about Taiwan and reaffirmed its stance that the country is sovereign and independent.

MOFA's response follows comments made by Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) regarding Taiwan's sovereignty during his phone call with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday.

Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and this has been a universally acknowledged fact and is the internationally recognized status quo, the foreign ministry told CNA.

Taiwan looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with the new Trump administration based on the solid and friendly foundation of Taiwan-U.S. relations, it said.

The two sides will continue to jointly promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the region, it added.

According to a press release issued by China's foreign affairs ministry, Xi told Trump during Friday's phone call that it was natural for two big countries to have some disagreements.

"The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The U.S. side needs to approach it with prudence," the press release quoted Xi as saying.