By H.E. Chao Xiaoliang, Chinese Ambassador to Samoa
Recently, China has published a white paper titled “The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era”, which systematically outlined in detail the position and policies of the Communist Party of China(CPC) and the Chinese government of realizing national reunification in the new era, and fully demonstrates the firm resolve of the CPC and the Chinese people and their commitment to national reunification. I would like to hereby share with you four points the white paper has highlighted:
First, it is an indisputable fact that Taiwan has belonged to China since ancient times, which has been proved with sound basis in history and jurisprudence. The earliest development of Taiwan by Chinese people can be dated back to year 230. Starting from the Song and Yuan dynasties, the imperial central governments of China all set up administrative bodies to exercise jurisdiction over this region. Since the Qing Dynasty, Taiwan had experienced aggression and forced occupation of Japan and has been restored to China in accordance with Cairo Declaration in 1943 and Potsdam Proclamation of 1945. On October 25th, 1945, the Chinese government announced that it was resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan and had recovered Taiwan de jure and de facto. In 1949, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was founded, and the Central People’s Government became the sole legal government of the whole of China. The new government replaced the previous regime with no change of sovereignty and territory, and Taiwan’s status as part of China’s territory has never changed and will never be allowed to change.
At its 26th session in October 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which undertook “to restore all its rights to the People’s Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations, and to expel forthwith the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek from the place which they unlawfully occupy at the United Nations and in all the organizations related to it”. This resolution settled once and for all the political, legal and procedural issues of China’s representation in the UN, and it covered the whole country, including Taiwan. It also spelled out that China has one single seat in the UN, so there is no such thing as “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”. With the solid ground of international law, Taiwan is considered as a province of China with no separate status and is referred to as “Taiwan, Province of China” in the UN.
Second, the one-China principle brooks no distortion or challenge. There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China, the Government of the PRC is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The one-China principle has been affirmed in UNGA Resolution 2758 and is a prevailing international consensus and widely accepted basic norm in international relations. It’s the political foundation for interactions between China and all countries in the world. To date, 181 countries have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle. It has the overwhelming support of the international community and represents the trend of the world. In response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to the Taiwan region, more than 170 countries and many international organizations have reiterated their one-China commitment. The international community has once again spoken out for justice.
Third, China have always been committed to realizing complete national reunification with the guideline of peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems. National reunification by peaceful means is always the first choice of the CPC and the Chinese government in resolving the Taiwan question, as it best serves the interests of the Chinese nation as a whole, including our compatriots in Taiwan. We are ready to create vast space for peaceful reunification; but we will leave no room for separatist activities in any form. We will work with the greatest sincerity and exert our utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification. If separatists or external forces make provocation or even cross red lines, the Chinese government will be forced to take resolute measures. This clearly answers the question in the international community about what China’s fundamental guidelines are on the Taiwan question, and shatters the wishful thinking of “Taiwan independence” forces and foreign interfering forces to split China.
Fourth, China’s complete reunification is a process that cannot be halted. National reunification is an essential step towards national rejuvenation, and national development and progress have set the direction of cross-straits relations. China’s development and progress, and in particular the steady increases in its economic power, technological strength, and national defense capabilities have provided broad space and great opportunities for cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation. As more and more compatriots from Taiwan, especially young people, pursue their studies, start businesses, seek jobs, or go to live on the mainland, cross-Straits exchanges, interaction and integration are intensified in all sectors, the economic ties and personal bonds between the people on both sides run deeper, and our common cultural and national identities grow stronger, leading cross-Straits relations towards reunification.
Cross-Strait reunification is of benefit not only to the Chinese nation, but to all peoples and the international community. The current authority of China’s Taiwan region has been attempting to solicit foreign support to seek independence and some external forces have been seeking to use the Taiwan question to contain China. The recent escalating tension caused by sneaky visit of Pelosi showcased their conspiracy. However, betraying the interests of one’s country and nation will surely result in utter failure. Seeking independence with foreign support will go nowhere and using the Taiwan question to contain China is doomed to be strongly against by Chinese people of both sides of Taiwan Straits. China urges relevant countries to earnestly abide by the one-China principle, properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and take real actions to honor their commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence”. In a world facing with severe challenges as food crisis, climate change and post-pandemic recovery, it shall be universally recognized that countries should focus on resolving global problems, instead of interfering with internal affairs of other countries and generating unrest and turbulence.
Realizing complete national reunification is the shared aspiration of all the Chinese people and an unstoppable historical trend. China will continue to uphold the basic principles of peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems and defeating separatism and external interference. I firmly believe, with joint efforts of the Chinese nation, China will eventually realize the reunification and rejuvenation and will be continuing to contribute to the peace and development of the world.