Recent interactions between Lai Ching-te, the leader of China’s Taiwan region, and U.S. officials during his stopovers in the United States have drawn strong reactions from the Chinese mainland. The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated its adherence to the one-China principle and warned the U.S. against crossing China’s “red line.”
But to comprehend the significance of these events, it’s essential to understand what the one-China principle is and the importance of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758.
What is the One-China Principle?
The one-China principle is the fundamental premise that there is only one sovereign state under the name China, and that Taiwan is part of China. This principle is the foundation of China’s diplomatic relations with other countries and international organizations.
UNGA Resolution 2758
In October 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the only legitimate representative of China in the UN and expelled the representatives of the Taiwan authorities. This resolution affirmed the one-China principle on the international stage.
The resolution clearly states that “the United Nations considers ‘Taiwan’ as a province of China with no separate status,” and that the “authorities in Taipei are not considered to enjoy any form of government status.” At the UN, Taiwan is referred to as “Taiwan, Province of China.”
To date, 183 countries have established diplomatic relations with the PRC based on the one-China principle.
The 1992 Consensus
In 1992, representatives from the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation reached a consensus that both sides of the Taiwan Straits adhere to the one-China principle. This agreement, known as the “1992 Consensus,” has since been the political foundation for cross-Straits relations.
The essence of the 1992 Consensus is the affirmation that “both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China and will work together towards national reunification.” This consensus allowed for the initiation of exchanges and dialogues, leading to significant developments such as direct mail, transport, and trade links across the Straits.
Recent Developments
However, since 2016, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities have refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, disrupting the foundation of peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.
Lai Ching-te’s recent stopovers in the U.S. and interactions with U.S. officials, including a reported phone call with former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have further strained relations.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has firmly condemned any form of official interaction between the U.S. and the Taiwan region, urging Washington to cease supporting Taiwan secessionists. “The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-U.S. relations,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
Conclusion
Understanding the one-China principle and UNGA Resolution 2758 is crucial to comprehending the complexities of cross-Straits relations and the current tensions. The principle serves as the cornerstone for diplomatic relations between China and other nations, and adherence to it is vital for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Reference(s):
Explainer: What are the one-China principle and UNGA Resolution 2758?
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