Q: The Halifax International Security Forum, announced on the evening of May 3rd that it's giving its 2020 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service to Tsai Ing-wen. What is your comment?

A: In disregard of China's solemn position, the Halifax International Security Forum persists in awarding its prize to Tsai Ing-wen, the leader of Taiwan region. This has severely violated the one-China principle and sent out misleading signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The Chinese side firmly opposes it.

There is only one China in the world. The Taiwan region is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. The Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The one-China principle is a well-recognized principle for international relations and a universal consensus of the international community. It is also the political foundation of China-Canada relations. Any attempt to concoct "One China, One Taiwan" or "Two Chinas" is doomed to be a total failure. Any actions that undermine China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity will be met with strong fightback.

We urge the Halifax International Security Forum to fully recognize the highly sensitive nature of the Taiwan question, strictly observe the one-China principle, immediately cancel the wrong decision to award Tsai Ing-wen, prudently and properly handle Taiwan question, and stop sending erroneous signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.