Taiwan says China has 'no right to comment' on reported Perth office

Taipei, July 5 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Sunday declined to confirm reports that it plans to open a representative office in Perth, Australia, while criticizing Beijing for attempting to interfere with Taiwan's international exchanges.

The response came after The West Australian reported Friday that Taiwan had proposed establishing a fourth representative office in Australia, prompting a formal protest from Beijing.

According to the newspaper, Taiwan's representative office in Australia confirmed it had submitted a proposal earlier this year to open an office in Perth, in addition to its existing main office in Canberra and branch offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Citing unnamed Chinese officials, the report said the Chinese Embassy in Canberra had lodged a formal protest with Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), urging the Australian government to reject the proposal.

"The Federal Government must realize that the issue of Taiwan is the most sensitive matter between both our countries, and Australia must strictly adhere to the principles of the One China policy," an unnamed Chinese official was quoted as saying.

The report added that the DFAT declined to comment on whether Taiwan's proposal would be approved or rejected in response to China's objections.

Australia switched diplomatic recognition from the Republic of China, Taiwan's formal name, to the People's Republic of China in 1972 and officially adheres to a one-China policy.

In response to CNA's inquiry, MOFA condemned Beijing for what it described as its continued unreasonable efforts to obstruct Taiwan's exchanges with countries around the world.

"The People's Republic of China has no right to comment on Taiwan's interactions with other countries," the ministry said.

However, MOFA stopped short of confirming the reported Perth proposal, saying it had "no more information" regarding plans to establish a new representative office in Australia.

The ministry added that Taiwan values its long-standing, mutually beneficial and friendly partnership with Australia and will continue working with like-minded partners to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.