China cautions Singapore over FTA with Taiwan

China today sounded a note of caution to Singapore over its Free Trade Treaty (FTA) with Taiwan, saying it should abide by the "one China" policy.
The FTA, Taiwan's first such agreement with a Southeast Asian country, has raised concerns in China, which considers Taiwan as part of its territory.
"Our stance on Taiwan's external exchange is clear and consistent. We do not have objections to foreign countries' non-governmental trade and cultural exchanges but do oppose any official ties," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a news briefing here.
He was responding to questions about the FTA clinched by the two countries today.

Referring to Taiwan's participation in international events, Hong said China and Taiwan can seek a reasonable solution through consultations under the precondition that such participation does not cause "One China, One Taiwan" or "two Chinas".
Taiwan has been pursuing bilateral trade deals to prepare for joining proposed multinational free trade blocs, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
After decades of hostilities, China and Taiwan warmed up in recent years with lucrative trade deals and direct negotiations to improve relations.