A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that no matter what they say or do, the Lai Ching-te authorities cannot change the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one and the same China or stop the historical trend that China will and must achieve reunification.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to the speech by the leader of the Taiwan region, Lai Ching-te, today at a daily press briefing.

Mao said Lai Ching-te’s words attempt to sever the historical connections between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. He is again peddling various versions of the “Taiwan independence” narrative, such as “China and Taiwan are not subordinate to each other” and “Taiwan has sovereignty.”

It once again exposes that he is hellbent on advancing “Taiwan independence” and has the ill intention of heightening tensions in the Taiwan Straits for his selfish political interest, Mao said.

There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, Mao said, adding that the attempt to seek independence and make provocations will lead nowhere.

Noting that the one-China principle is a basic norm in international relations and prevailing international consensus, Mao said Taiwan has never been a country and will never be a country and thus has no so-called sovereignty.

Upholding the one-China principle, opposing “Taiwan independence” and opposing “two Chinas” and “one China, one Taiwan” is our consistent position on the Taiwan region’s external exchanges and participation in international activities, she said.

“Let me stress once again that China opposes all forms of official interactions between Taiwan and countries having diplomatic relations with China and interference in China’s internal affairs in any way and under any excuse,” Mao said.

We urge the few foreign politicians who visit Taiwan to correct their wrong words and deeds, stop meddling in China’s internal affairs, and stop conniving at and supporting “Taiwan independence” and heightening tensions in the Taiwan Straits, she said.  (PR/GIS)

Attorney General Dale Marshall has underscored the importance of information and intelligence sharing, and good communications at all levels, saying they are crucial.

Mr. Marshall expressed this view yesterday as he delivered remarks at the opening of the two-day CARICOM IMPACS/INTERPOL’s Eighth High-Level Meeting of the Dialogue on an Effective Multilateral Policing Architecture Against Global Threats, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

The Attorney General told his audience: “The cry from our agencies is that communication and information and intelligence sharing have become endangered species…. There is no point in investing in our regional security organisations…, which are striving to serve us well, if our domestic stakeholders are reluctant to share information and intelligence with them, that is their lifeblood.

“I go further, there is also the need for national, regional, and international agencies to work closely together to ensure that the multiplier effect of this collaboration is seen and felt.”

During the meeting, the participants will examine a Global Data Sharing Framework, and Mr. Marshall emphasised the importance of good data. He proffered the view that good data was the basis for sound analysis and making correct decisions.  

He noted that INTERPOL’s National Bureaux and CARICOM IMPACS could be a formidable force in providing vital information to national law enforcement agencies.

“If we are serious about fighting crime, this is going to be a critical part of our armour. Therefore, the strengthening of the National Country Bureaux and their databases, as well as improving regional access to support small countries is crucial,” the Attorney General stated.

He identified Transnational Organised Crime as one of the biggest threats facing the Caribbean now, followed closely by the illicit trafficking in firearms. He pointed out that earlier this year, one of the regional Prime Ministers had been advised by US security agencies that his country was attracting elements of international organised crime.

“This is a wake-up call for all in the region, and certainly a cause for concern. The fact is that issues that rear their heads in one small Caribbean territory are never confined to that single geographical space. Our history and recent trends in crime show that these issues quickly jump from one island to the other. It is a feature of our common history, our close physical space as well as our political and other ties,” Mr. Marshall surmised.

In commending INTERPOL, the Attorney General pointed out that Barbados had benefitted tremendously from its relationship with the institution over the years and described it as a “stellar partner”. 

President of INTERPOL, Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, and Executive Director of CARICOM IMPACS, Lieutenant Colonel, Michael Jones, also addressed the opening ceremony. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Attorney General Dale Marshall greets Executive Director of CARICOM IMPACS, Lieutenant Colonel, Michael Jones, while President of INTERPOL, Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, looks on.

China marks National Day with light shows, #fireworks, drone displays #PRC75Years

Fireworks illuminate the sky in Macao, south China on Oct. 1, 2024. Various events and activities were held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.