The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and that Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities' separatist attempts run counter to the course of history, a Chinese mainland spokeswoman said on Wednesday in response to Paraguayan President Santiago Pena's recent visit to Taiwan.

Speaking at a regular news conference, Zhang Han, a spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, urged the country to make "the correct choice in line with the trend of history". She emphasized that the one-China principle is both a basic norm governing international relations and a widely recognized consensus of the international community.

Zhang noted that 183 countries have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of adhering to the one-China principle.

She added that the DPP authorities' attempts to pursue "Taiwan independence" through provocative actions are contrary to the historical trend. "Their complete failure is only a matter of time," she said.

Paraguay is among the 12 countries that still maintain so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan. According to reports, President Pena visited Taiwan from May 7 to 10.