TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) criticized Bolivia’s government for expressing solidarity with China after the earthquake in Taiwan. 

Bolivia’s foreign ministry said it “expresses its solidarity with the sister People’s Republic of China,” after a deadly 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan on Wednesday (April 3), per CNA. At least 13 people were killed, 442 still trapped, and over 1,100 reported injured, as of Saturday (April 6). 

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns the Bolivian government that it was a serious mistake to express concern to China about the earthquake in Taiwan,” said Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮). Wu accused China of taking advantage of the earthquake “to conduct cognitive warfare in the international community,” preventing countries from acknowledging Taiwan.

“Just like Taiwan, Bolivia is not part of communist China. No more, no less," Wu said.

In a press release, MOFA blasted the Bolivian government for being influenced by China and “spreading false statements internationally.” It said expressing concern to China instead of Taiwan belittles its sovereignty internationally. 

The foreign ministry restated that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, not affiliated with the People's Republic of China. It said only Taiwan's democratically elected government can represent its 23.5 million people.

More than 100 countries and international organizations have reached out to Taiwan after the earthquake to convey their concern or provide assistance.