TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — During talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping (習近平) on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on Friday (Nov. 15), Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed the country's “One China” policy. 

Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wong and Xi held talks on regional and international matters, including Taiwan Strait developments. The ministry's statement on the discussion said, "Singapore has a clear and consistent ‘One China’ policy and is opposed to Taiwan independence."

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency cited Wong as saying that relations between the two countries are mutually beneficial and based on respect and trust. It claimed that Wong added that "his country fully understands the Chinese government's position on the Taiwan question, opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence,’ and firmly abides by the one-China principle."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemned China for using APEC and other international forums to “spread falshoods that belittle Taiwan's sovereignty" and confuse international public opinion. The ministry disputed Beijing's version of Wong's statement on Taiwan. 

After verifying with Singapore, MOFA said Wong did not use the exact language reported by China. The ministry called on the international community to jointly denounce “China's unilateral and deliberate bullying practices that undermine regional peace and stability.”