Slovenian PM vows to set up representative office in Taiwan

Lasko Slovenia January 26 ANI After Lithuania, another member of the European Union -- Slovenia - has shown the courage to stand against China and its aggressive political and economic moves, as the Central European country has publicly disclosed its plan to establish a representative office in Taiwan.

Lithuania and Slovenia are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO and plan to set up their own representative offices in Taiwan, a close US ally. Their move left China shocked and fuming.

According to The Singapore Post, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa said he plans to establish a representative office in Taiwan. He stated that he had visited Taiwan four or five times, and that Taiwanese should have the right to decide their future.

The Slovenian Prime Minister stated in the interview that Taiwan is a democratic country that respects international democratic standards and international laws.

The Singapore Post reported that the talks were being talked about in diplomatic circles.

The modalities of diplomatic relations are still not clear, but PM has clearly stated that Slovenia and Taiwan are working on exchanging representatives. This will not be on the level of embassies. Janez Jansa told The Singapore Post that it will be on the same level as many of the EU member countries.

Beijing has been embroiled in another diplomatic spat despite hopes of ties with the European Union.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhao Lijian said that China was shocked by this and strongly opposed to it. Lijian said that the statement overtly challenges the One-China principle and supports Taiwan independence as a dangerous statement made by the Slovenian leader. According to The Singapore Post, Zhao warned that no one should underestimate the strong determination, firm will and strong ability of the Chinese people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.