Photo: Screenshot of the website of the embassy of China in the UK

Both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in the UK have stated that China's position on the issue of the Malvinas Islands is consistent, and that China firmly supports Argentina's legitimate claim to exercise full sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands.  

The comments were made following UK's foreign secretary Liz Truss' Twitter post saying China must respect the Malvinas Islands' sovereignty, which she regards as a "part of British Family."

Responding to UK foreign secretary's remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian also said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday that China firmly supports Argentina's legitimate claim of sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, noting that the UK should abide by the spirit and resolutions of the UN Charter and resolve the territorial dispute through negotiations.

The Chinese Embassy in the UK made similar comments on its website Tuesday.

We hope the UK will respond positively to Argentina's request, start negotiations at an early date and find a peaceful, just and lasting solution in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, the embassy said. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Sunday with Argentine President Alberto Fernandez in Beijing. Following the meeting, China and Argentina released a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a series of documents for further cooperation.

China and Argentina have reaffirmed their continued strong mutual support on issues involving each other's sovereign interests. China will continue to support Argentina's demand for the full exercise of sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, as well as the resumption of negotiations as soon as possible with a focus on the peaceful settlement of the dispute and in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions.

Global Times