Beijing says 'one China' principle is the prerequisite and basis for developing ties with it

Beijing has said that the "one China" principle is the basis for developing relations with China and no country can be an exemption to this decree.

"The one-China principle is the prerequisite and basis for other countries to develop their relations with China and that when it comes to this vital issue of right or wrong, no country can be an exception," China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault on Thursday, 15 December.

Wang added that the Taiwan issue has put China's sovereignty and territorial integrity in danger. He also appreciated the French foreign minister for his clear stance on the "one China" policy.

Commenting on the same Ayrault said that the ties between Beijing and Paris were very understandable and based on mutual trust and communal benefit. The foreign minister also said that France understand the "one China" principle and knew well how much it was important for international and regional peace and stability.

Ayrault added that his country would always remain attached to it and would continue to play a positive role on the matter, Xinhua reported.

The development came after the US President-elect Donald Trump spoke to the president of self-ruled Taiwan, upsetting Beijing and casting doubt on Washington's nearly four-decade policy of recognizing that Taiwan is part of "one China".

Trump and Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen spoke to each-other on 2 December. It was the first time that a US leader or president-elect has spoken to a Taiwanese president since 1979 when Taiwan was acknowledged by Washington as part of China.

Although the White House downplayed the telephone conversation later, saying it was only a "courtesy" call, China lodged a complaint with the US on 3 December.

China considers Taiwan as its own territory and has never refused the use of force to bring it under its control. It regards the island nation a red line issue.