Mandarin/Nat Sao Tome and Principe has been warned by China on Thursday that it could face retaliatory measures for its decision to establish relations with Taiwan. In defiance of the diplomatic isolation imposed on Taipei by China, which claims jurisdiction over the island off its southeast coast, Sao Tome on Wednesday announced it was establishing official ties with Taiwan. Since being granted independence from Portugal in 1975, impoverished Sao Tome and Principe has relied heavily on economic support from Beijing, creating a 28 (m) million dollars (U-S) debt to China. The establishment of diplomatic relations with Taiwan caused a fresh rift in the already- tense relations between the government and President Miguel Trovoada. However China stopped short Thursday of saying that it would sever ties with the west African island nation. SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Q: (regarding the announced recognition of Taiwan by Sao Tome and Principe.) "Sao Tome and Principe ignores the traditional friendship and warm feelings between our two countries in establishing so-called diplomatic relations with Taiwan. This is a short-sighted and perfidious course of action. We oppose any nation that offers so- called recognition or diplomatic relations to Taiwan. Here I would like to reiterate that there is only one China in the world. The People's Republic of China government represents the only legitimate of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. China will never agree to accept two Chinas." SUPER CAPTION: Shen Guofang, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Q: "What have U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan and Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen been discussing in their talks?" "During the talks between Qian Qichen and Annan, we emphasised the efforts China will make in the U-N in the future. The Chinese side has all discussed the question of U- N reform. China made it clear that it favours extensive reforms. We believe that the main purpose of the United Nations is to strengthen and protect world peace and to develop the world economy, and the purpose of reform is to reinforce these. China also emphasised important economic development questions. The Secretary General expressed his agreement. He believes the U-N should promote co-operation among the developing countries, developing social economy, and play a greater role. The Secretary General said the U-N would continue to protect U-N resolutions and the spirit of the ideas behind them. He insists on a policy of one-China. The Chinese side expresses its appreciation for this." SUPER CAPTION: Shen Guofang, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Q: (Regarding the presentation of an award to jailed Chinese journalist Gao Yu and its possible effects on relations between UNESCO and China.) "I believe UNESCO overstepped its bounds and its intent, without the permission of the head office, and acted of its own accord. The Chinese side has contacted them regarding this many times, informing the main responsible people that Gao Yu was arrested and sentenced for violating Chinese law. The Gao Yu problem is not one of press freedom. UNESCO's actions are actually disturbing for the member-states to exercise their sovereignty in this way, and it is an interference in Chinese internal affairs. This will influence our relations with UNESCO." SUPER CAPTION: Shen Guofang, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Q: (Regarding whether Japan's announcement that it will take action to stop visits to the Diaoyu Islands means it will not exercise sovereignty there or not.) SUPER CAPTION: Shen Guofang, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/550bb2922752b5d057ac77e998496321 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 21 Jul 2015
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