MOFA expresses 'grave concerns' over Singapore remarks

Taipei, Oct. 26 (CNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Sunday expressed "grave concerns" after Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (黃循財) reiterated the city state's opposition to "Taiwan independence," during a meeting with a senior Chinese official.

During a meeting between Wong and Chinese Premier Li Qiang (李強)in Singapore on Saturday, both discussed cross-strait developments, according to a statement issued by the Singaporean foreign ministry.

"Prime Minister Wong reiterated that Singapore has a clear and consistent 'One China' policy and is opposed to Taiwan independence," the Singaporean foreign ministry statement said.

In response, Taiwan's MOFA said Sunday that it is an "objective fact and a common sense shared by many" that Taiwan is an independent, sovereign nation, with world-leading performances in terms of its political freedom, economic development, and global competitiveness.

"Taiwan's future can only be decided by Taiwanese people," MOFA said in a statement.

MOFA said that Singapore should respect the fact that the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name, is a sovereign state and not to make comments that could "hurt the long-standing friendship between two countries."

Like most countries around the world, Singapore maintains diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and not the ROC, with Singapore's leaders consistently saying that the city-state maintains a "one China" policy and opposes Taiwanese independence.

Despite the lack of official ties, Taipei and Singapore share close informal and economic ties.

Taiwan and Singapore signed the Agreement on Economic Partnership (ASTEP) on November 7, 2013, which went into effect on April 19, 2014. This comprehensive economic agreement strengthens bilateral trade and investment.

Based on a 1975 agreement, Singaporean soldiers are sent to Taiwan for military training, given the limited land and air space in their own country.