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China says ‘no such thing as ROC President’ amid Taiwan visit dispute

By The South Asia Times

BEIJING - China on Wednesday reiterated its rejection of Taiwan’s political status, saying there is “no longer a so-called ‘ROC president’ in the world,” in comments tied to reports about the postponement of a planned overseas visit by Taiwan’s leader.

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said that anyone using the title was “acting against history” and would “invite disgrace upon themselves,” referring to Lai Ching-te and his delayed trip to Eswatini, one of the few countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, according to state-run Xinhua News.

Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and opposes any official interactions between Taipei and foreign governments.

Taiwan, calling itself as "the Republic of China (ROC)," and maintains its own government, military, and foreign relations.

The remarks underscore ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait, with Beijing increasing diplomatic and political pressure on Taipei while warning other countries against engaging with its leadership in an official capacity.