Pakistan on Wednesday reaffirmed its strong commitment to the ‘One-China’ policy amid controversy over US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan that has infuriated Beijing.
Pelosi landed in Taiwan on Tuesday despite a series of increasingly stark threats from Beijing, which views the island as its territory and had said it would consider the visit a major provocation.
China responded swiftly, warning the US ambassador in Beijing of “extremely serious consequences” and announcing military drills on seas around Taiwan — some of the world’s busiest waterways.
Pelosi, second in line to the presidency, is the highest-profile elected US official to visit Taiwan in 25 years.
In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar expressed firm support for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Pakistan is deeply concerned over the evolving situation in the Taiwan Strait, which has serious implications for regional peace and stability,” the FO said.
It said the world was already reeling through a critical security situation due to the Ukraine conflict, with destabilizing implications for international food and energy security.
“The world cannot afford another crisis that has negative consequences for global peace, security, and economy,” it said.
The FO said: “Pakistan strongly believes that inter-state relations should be based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful resolution of issues by upholding of principles of UN charter, international law, and bilateral agreements.”