Taipei [Taiwan], April 17 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed a joint statement released by China and Vietnam, which mentioned Taiwan as part of China and described it 'a serious distortion of the facts,' Taiwan News reported.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit on Tuesday, Vietnam backed China's claim that 'Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory' and opposed 'any separatist activity' seeking Taiwan Independence, Taiwan News reported, citing Viet Nam News.

In response to the joint statement issued by China and Vietnam, the ministry said it 'strongly condemns and firmly refutes the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian regime for continuing to spread rhetoric that internationally undermines Taiwan's sovereignty.' It said that Taiwan's stance on defending national sovereignty remains firm and unchanged.

Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its position that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent nation and is not subordinate to China. The ministry further said that the CCP has never ruled Taiwan.

The ministry said that any claim that 'distorts Taiwan's sovereignty cannot change the internationally recognised cross-strait status quo.' It urged the international community to 'jointly counter China's false claims and not condone China's malicious attempts to mislead global public opinion and undermine Taiwan's national sovereignty,' Taiwan News reported.

Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.

During his visit to Vietnam, China's President Xi Jinping emphasised that the two countries should work to 'fight unilateral bullying.' The Chinese leader's remarks were made against the backdrop of disruptions caused by tariffs imposed by the US President Donald Trump administration.

Vietnam was the first stop for Xi, who is on a Southeast Asia tour, including Malaysia and Cambodia, which aims to stabilise regional ties and offset the impact of the US tariffs.

In a meeting with Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam, Xi said that both countries 'jointly oppose unilateral bullying, and uphold the stability of the global free trade system as well as industrial and supply chains', according to the Xinhua news agency.

In his meeting in Hanoi with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Xi urged both countries to intensify high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication and 'jointly oppose hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism,' Chinese state media reported.

Calling on the two sides to maintain the stability of the global free trade system and industrial and supply chains, Xi also urged the two countries to work together to push for an economic globalisation that is more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all. (ANI)