Andy Liu, chief information officer of Taiwan’s government in Nigeria, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace and prosperity during a media chat in Lagos on Monday.

Mr Liu reacted to China’s recent move to ramp up naval surveillance around Taiwan with highly sophisticated drone carriers, causing panic among the Taiwanese.

He reiterated that Taiwan seeks peace and prosperity, not war, and urged countries to address the development.

He also called for international support in the matter.

He said, “Our major appeal to the world focuses on two things: we Taiwanese want a peaceful and prosperous way of life. We are surprised by China’s constant bullying.

“The Chinese military threats around Taiwan have been ongoing for many years. The recent escalation in April, with their naval fleet, has shocked the world and made everyone nervous.”

Mr Liu added, “Taiwan is uncomfortable with this, as it is an island separate from China. We’ve maintained our separation for over half a century.

“I don’t think China wants war, but these threatening gestures are alarming. We take the Russian invasion of Ukraine seriously, which is why we’ve built our military strength.”

Mr Liu restated that Taiwan is not part of China, as stated in United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, passed in 1971.

According to him, China wants to convince the world Taiwan is part of China, but this is false, insisting that the 1971 resolution recognised China’s PRC as the sole representative at the UN.

“The resolution expelled Chiang Kai-shek’s representatives from the UN, yet it did not mention Taiwan nor declare it part of China. It didn’t grant China authority over Taiwan at the UN.

“Now, China is using that old document to claim Taiwan is part of China, which is unacceptable. We want the Nigerian people to understand this,” he said.

(NAN)