Anutin Defends One China Stance, Dismisses Taiwan Protest
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- PM Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed Taiwan's criticism of Thailand's One China policy support, saying Bangkok's position would not affect economic ties with Taipei.
- The China-Thailand Joint Statement, issued during Anutin's July 16-20 visit to China, recognized Beijing as the sole legal government, described Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, opposed Taiwanese independence, and voiced support for the "One Country, Two Systems" policy.
- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on July 21 expressing "strong protest" and "disappointment and regret," reiterating that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country not subordinate to the PRC.
- Anutin told reporters at Government House that "Thailand has always maintained the One China policy. It is nothing new," rejected suggestions Bangkok was siding with Beijing against Taipei, and dismissed speculation Taiwan could retaliate via visa restrictions or measures affecting Thai workers.
Why it matters: The joint statement went beyond Bangkok's usual One China affirmation by explicitly endorsing "One Country, Two Systems" — a framework Taiwan has long rejected — giving Beijing a diplomatic win while forcing Thailand to manage a public rupture with Taipei. Anutin's flat "nothing new" response signals Bangkok sees no cost in absorbing Taipei's protest, given that Thai-Taiwanese trade and labor ties remain intact for now.
