China's Foreign Ministry said the one-China principle is the universal consensus, after another country severed ties with Taiwan.

(Photo: CGTN)

On Monday, the Solomon Islands' government voted to break its 36-year diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

"China highly commends the decision of the Solomon Islands' government to recognize the one-China principle and sever the so-called 'diplomatic ties' with the Taiwan authorities," Hua Chunying, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said. "We support the Solomon Islands in making such an important decision as a sovereign and independent country."

"There is but one China in the world and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government that represents the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. These are basic facts and the universal consensus of the international community," Hua said. 

On the basis of the one-China principle, China has established official diplomatic relations with 178 countries.

"The decision of the Solomon Islands' government to recognize the one-China principle and establish diplomatic ties with China again fully testifies to the fact that the one-China principle meets the shared aspirations of the people and constitutes an irresistible trend of the times," Hua said.

Some in Taiwan accuse China of pressuring the Solomon Islands government with "dollar diplomacy."

"Those who are used to the idea of forming diplomatic ties with money wouldn't know that you can't buy principles or trust of others," Hua said.

Although Hua didn't provide details as to when China will officially establish diplomatic ties with the Solomon Islands, she's optimistic about the prospects shared by both countries.

"To form a relationship with the world's second largest economy that has a population of over 1.4 billion will certainly bring unprecedented opportunities for the Solomon Islands. We'd like to work with the Solomon Islands to start a new chapter for our bilateral relations," she said.