Number of European governments condemned for allowing Lin Chia-lung visit

China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the decision of certain European countries to allow Lin Chia-lung to visit, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian has said, warning that the idea of "Taiwan independence" is a dead end.

Lin Jian made the remarks on Friday after news reports said Lin Chia-lung, head of the so-called foreign affairs department of the Taiwan authorities, had arrived in Prague on Thursday.

China has lodged solemn representations to the relevant countries, Lin Jian said.

"We urge relevant European countries to observe the one-China principle, and take effective measures immediately to stop the visit by 'Taiwan independence' separatists," he said.

Noting that Taiwan is a province of China, Lin Jian said the Taiwan question bears on China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China has always firmly opposed countries that have diplomatic ties with it engaging in any official exchanges with its Taiwan region, as well as the provision of platforms for the activities of "Taiwan independence" separatists, the spokesman said.

"We also have a message for the Taiwan authorities: 'Taiwan independence' is a dead end," Lin Jian said.

"Any attempt to create 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan' is doomed to fail."