TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated on Sunday that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, not subordinate to China, following Beijing's protest over the brief exchange between Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Taiwan’s APEC envoy Lin Hsin-I (林信義). 

The CCP has never governed Taiwan, which is an objective fact and current reality recognized by the international community, MOFA said. By invoking its so-called “one China” principle to criticize normal Taiwan–Japan interactions, China has violated APEC’s core principle of equal participation among all members.

Sanae met Lin on Saturday, reiterating Japan’s commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. She also looked forward to deepening practical cooperation with Taiwan and supported the country’s meaningful participation in international organizations.

“As a formal member of APEC, it is natural for Taiwan to engage and interact with other member economies through both multilateral and bilateral occasions during the summit,” MOFA said.

The ministry said that Taiwan and Japan are important partners who share fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, and human rights. Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with Japan and safeguard peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, it added.