According to a report by Reuters on Friday, Tugendhat held discussions with Taiwanese Digital Affairs Minister Audrey Tang during his visit to Britain, which is considered a rare high-level ministerial trip. The discussions reportedly revolved around mutual security interests.
China views Taiwan, which is governed democratically, as part of its territory and vehemently opposes any perceived foreign interference with the island.
In response, the Chinese embassy in London issued a statement, saying, “This move seriously violates the one-China principle and the basic norms of international relations. It sends a seriously wrong signal to the separatist forces for ‘Taiwan independence’ and grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this.”
Although Britain only maintains formal diplomatic relations with Beijing, it does have a de facto embassy in Taipei. While junior British ministers have engaged in talks with their Taiwanese counterparts in the past, it has been convention for senior British ministers to refrain from meeting with Taiwanese officials.
Tugendhat, who faced sanctions from China two years ago after speaking out against alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang, is not a full cabinet minister but attends cabinet meetings in his capacity as security minister, where his responsibilities include countering terrorism, addressing domestic state threats, and tackling economic crime.
The Chinese embassy spokesperson cautioned the UK, stating, “We want to make it clear to the UK side that any actions that undermine China’s interests will be met with resolute responses.”
