BEIJING, March 18. /TASS/. China highly appreciates Russian President Vladimir Putin’s position on the Taiwan issue, which he has voiced at his campaign headquarters, a diplomat said.

"China highly praises President Putin’s position. There is only one China in the world, and the Chinese government is the only legitimate government representing China," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said.

He also pointed out that recognizing Taiwan as an inalienable part of China is a basic principle for building relations with China.

Earlier, incumbent Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his campaign headquarters that attempts by Beijing's rivals to stage provocations around China are doomed to failure, pointing out that Taiwan belongs to China.

Taiwan, China’s largest island, has been governed by its local administration since 1949 when the remaining Kuomintang forces led by Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) fled to the island after suffering a defeat in China’s civil war. Since then, Taiwan has preserved the flag and some other symbols of the Republic of China that had existed in mainland China before the Communists came to power. According to Beijing’s official position, which is supported by most countries, including Russia, Taiwan is one of China’s provinces.