According to an report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on July 23, Chinese diplomats left the venue after negotiating with Paul Erickson, the national secretary of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), due to their dissatisfaction with the presence of a representative from Taiwan at the ALP's national conference held in Adelaide.
On Thursday morning, three Chinese diplomats attending the meeting discussed with Eriksson and requested that two representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) be removed from the room.
The Australian Labor Party confirmed that Eriksson subsequently argued that two representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office were entitled to attend as observers, and therefore would continue to be present at the meeting.
Several sources revealed that within a few hours after the negotiations ended, the Chinese delegation left the venue. That afternoon, they did not continue to observe the meeting with other foreign diplomats and political representatives.
According to reports, it is still unclear whether China’s withdrawal was a deliberate protest. However, other diplomatic observers attending the meeting said that it is difficult to interpret this move as having other motives.
A Labour Party representative also stated that China has actually carried out a “walk-out protest”, which is “quite obvious”.
He said, “They first protested, then left the scene—this is clearly sending a signal.”
Reports suggest that this incident could once again escalate tensions between China and Australia, following a series of high-profile disputes in recent times. These disputes include China’s missile tests in the Pacific, friction between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, and Australia signing new strategic cooperation agreements with Fiji and Vanuatu.
Last week, after Papua New Guinea announced that it would close its representative office in Moresby Port, China expressed high appreciation for this decision.
In recent years, China has been continuously increasing its efforts to urge countries around the world to reduce or eliminate unofficial ties with Taipei. Beijing's stance on the Taiwan issue has become increasingly firm.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the principle of one China is a common consensus in the international community and a fundamental norm of international relations. It serves as the political foundation for China’s relations with 183 countries that have established diplomatic ties. Australia made a political commitment to this principle when it established diplomatic relations with China. We strongly urge relevant countries and institutions to strictly abide by the principle of one China, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs, and cease supporting separatist actions advocated by Taiwan independence forces.
