The Chinese ambassador to Zambia on Monday challenged Michael Sata, one of Zambia's presidential candidates for this month's general elections, to make it clear whether he will establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan if he was elected to office.

At a press conference held in the Chinese embassy, Chinese ambassador Li Baodong said the Chinese government wants to know Sata's position on the issue of Taiwan.

Sata recently claimed that Taiwan was "a sovereign state" shortly after his return from Malawi on Aug. 24 where local media said he had met with Taiwanese businessmen to solicit funds for his presidential campaign.

Li once again condemned Sata for his interference in China's internal affairs with the irresponsible remarks.

Li told the press conference that Taiwan is part of China and one-China policy is recognized by the world community and the United Nations.

"Sata's utterance is dangerous and has hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and challenged the authority of the United Nations," Li said.

Li said China would reconsider its relations with Zambia if the opposition leader of Patriotic Front took power and consequently established "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan.

Li said China and Zambia have been enjoying very good relations and hoped to continue developing the strong and deeply-rooted relations.

The bilateral relations are based on mutual respect and benefit, Li said, adding China wants to keep good relations with all Zambian political parties.

Sata's remarks have drawn a wave of criticism from all levels of the Zambian society which accused him of "mortgaging the country's future for his own benefit."

Source: Xinhua