THE Chinese Embassy in Australia has drawn a sharp response from Federal Member for Bowman and Shadow Assistant Minister Henry Pike after it criticised local diplomatic engagement between Redland City Council and a visiting Taiwanese delegation.
The embassy issued a statement reiterating Beijing’s “one-China principle” following a visit from representatives of Kaohsiung, a major city in Taiwan.
The delegation travelled to the Redlands to explore opportunities in investment, tourism, innovation and economic cooperation, with meetings facilitated through Trade and Investment Queensland.
China’s embassy warned against official-level exchanges with Taiwanese authorities, stating that Taiwan is an “inalienable part of China” and urging Australia to adhere to its long-standing diplomatic position.
It also referenced historical agreements and accused Taiwan’s government of using international engagement to challenge Beijing’s global stance.
“China’s position on the Taiwan question is consistent and clear. There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” the embassy said.
“The Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
“China firmly opposes any form of official exchanges between countries having diplomatic relations with China and China’s Taiwan region, including negotiating and signing of any agreement with sovereign connotations and an official nature.”
However, Mr Pike pushed back strongly against the intervention, framing it as an overreach into Australian domestic affairs and local decision-making.
He said he fully supported Redland City Council’s engagement with the Kaohsiung delegation and rejected the idea that foreign governments should influence who Australian communities are allowed to interact with.
“What I do not support is the idea that foreign governments can dictate who Australian communities are permitted to engage with,” Mr Pike said, positioning the embassy’s comments as inconsistent with Australia’s sovereignty.
Mr Pike highlighted Taiwan’s economic importance, noting its role as a major export destination and a global leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries.
He said he had previously visited Kaohsiung and witnessed significant opportunities for deeper economic and educational ties.
He also directly challenged the tone of the embassy’s warning, arguing it carried little weight given ongoing tensions in the region.
In his view, the greatest threat to stability in the Taiwan Strait was not local government engagement, but “intimidation, coercion and military pressure” on a democratic population.
“Australia is a sovereign nation. The Redlands is an Australian community. Neither require permission from a foreign embassy before engaging with one of our major economic partners,” Mr Pike said, reinforcing his stance that local councils should be free to pursue international relationships based on community interest.
He added that decisions on engagement should rest with residents and businesses rather than external political pressure, saying outcomes should be determined in “Cleveland, not Beijing”.
State Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker also backed the engagement, welcoming the delegation and highlighting the economic opportunities it could bring.
“Queensland is open for business, and we welcome interest and continued investment from one of our key trading partners,” Mrs Stoker said.
“Attracting investment like this is important to ensure a range of great job opportunities for Redlanders and ever-better local services.”
Queensland Chinese Forum president Jason ST Chua took a more diplomatic stance, encouraging continued relationships with both Taiwan and mainland China.
“The Queensland Chinese Forum would encourage Redland City Council to continue pursuing constructive and mutually beneficial relationships with both Taiwan and mainland China,” Mr Chua said.
“We believe these engagements should be viewed as complementary rather than competitive.”
He said such relationships should be fostered through respectful dialogue and ongoing cooperation.
Redland City Council said in a statement that the visit was focused on delivering tangible benefits for the local community and emphasised that foreign policy matters sit outside the scope of local government.
“Redland City Council is focused on creating opportunities that benefit the local community,” the Council said.
“The purpose of the recent visit from the Taiwan delegation was to explore opportunities for investment, tourism, economic development, and the exchange of ideas, with the aim of supporting local businesses and the broader community.
“Engagements of this nature are a common part of local government activities.
“Council respects the views of all parties and remains committed to delivering outcomes that support the local community.”
