PHNOM PENH: The Chairman of ASEAN in 2022, Prime Minister Hun Sen, has rejected any intention to incite Taiwan to declare independence and Western military intervention to help Taiwan, which he considers similar to inciting China to kill its own people and a dangerous endeavour.

Prime Minister Hun Sen spoke at the press conference of the 27th International Conference on the Future of Asia on Friday, 27 May, stating that the case of Taiwan is different from the case of Ukraine, as while Ukraine is an independent country, Taiwan is considered by many, including the United States, as just a province of China. He said that China is not stupid to their own nationality, as long as Taiwan does not declare independence and no country invades Taiwan.

The Prime Minister said, “From 1949 until now, has anyone seen China use force on Taiwan? All countries should also respect China's independence and sovereignty, recognizing that Taiwan is a Chinese province. Why compare the issue of China-Taiwan to Russia and Ukraine? I do not agree with a military intervention."

He reminded ASEAN partners, both inside and outside the region, to give serious consideration to actions that could endanger China's national sovereignty.

He questioned the United States and other countries, all of which abide by a one-China policy. Why try to start separating Taiwan from China?

The ASEAN chair's remarks come just four days after US President Joe Biden announced during a Quad meeting that he would use force to defend Taiwan if Taiwan was attacked by China.