Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-11-23

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has called for China to respect Taiwan’s rights to building relations with its diplomatic allies. MAC spokesperson Chiu Chui-cheng was speaking on Thursday in response to reports that China has banned its tour groups from travel to the Vatican and Palau. The two nations are diplomatic allies of Taiwan.

Chiu said that the freedom to travel is a basic human right and not to be used as a political tool. Chiu said China’s attitude would only mar its own image in the international arena.

Meanwhile, Panama President Juan Carlos Varela recently spoke in Beijing on other countries possibly following Panama’s example in cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Chiu said Taiwan does not agree with Varela’s “irresponsibility and disregard for morality.”    [FULL  STORY]