Leo Varadkar has waded in on Taiwanese sovereignty as the Irish Taoiseach appears to cosy up to China ahead of a landmark Davos meeting.
Varadkar, who succeeded Micheal Martin as Prime Minister in December 2022, confirmed Dublin’s position on Beijing’s role in Taipei has not changed.
The 45-year-old was forced to address Sino-Irish relations after Beijing-backed media outlets claimed Varadkar expressed his support for the so-called one-China principle during premier Li Qiang’s state visit today.
The one-China principle is the one supported by the ruling communist party in Beijing.
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar shared a laugh with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the start of a meeting at Framleigh House
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It believes Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the two will be reunified one day.
However, Varadkar voiced support for the one-China policy which is a diplomatic term covering relations between the US, EU and China.
Varadkar raised eyebrows by addressing reports about his comments.
The Irish Taioseach appeared to claim Taiwan is part of China.
He said: “Our long-standing policy hasn’t changed, and it is a one-China policy, and we recognise China, and that Taiwan is part of China.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during an event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan at the Great Hall of the People
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“While we don’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, we do have economic and cultural ties.
“I reaffirmed our policy, which is the one-china policy that we recognise.”
China regards self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province.
However, Taipei regards itself as distinct from Beijing’s grip given it has its own constitution and elects leaders democratically.
There has long been speculation China could invade Taiwan to bring about its desired unification.
The Irish Taioseach appeared to claim Taiwan is part of China
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Varadkar’s comments sparked outrage on social media.
One said: “Varadkar rejects democracy in Taiwan- he does not speak for the majority in the island of Ireland!”
Another wrote: “What happened to Irish Neutrality? Not to mention Taiwan’s independent democracy?”
A third added: “Leo varadkar is a complete disgrace, Taiwan a free sovereign nation and always will be!
“Much like Northern Ireland will always be free and sovereign despite their expansionist foreign neighbours, the majority of the people always remain supreme in both regions.”