Recent interactions between Lai Ching-te, the leader of Taiwan region, and U.S. officials have ignited strong opposition from the Chinese mainland. Lai's tour of Taiwan region's diplomatic allies in the Pacific included a two-night stopover in Hawaii and a one-night stay in Guam, where he reportedly held a phone call with former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry firmly condemned any form of official interaction between the U.S. and Taiwan region, emphasizing its adherence to the one-China principle. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated, \"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.\" He urged the U.S. to recognize the separatist nature of Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities, understand the damage caused by Taiwan secession activities, abide by the one-China principle, and cease meddling in China's internal affairs.
Understanding the One-China Principle
The one-China principle asserts that there is only one sovereign state under the name China, encompassing both the mainland and the Taiwan region. This principle is pivotal in China’s foreign policy and international relations.
UNGA Resolution 2758
In October 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which expelled the representatives of the Taiwan authorities and reinstated the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at the UN. The resolution states that \"Taiwan\" is considered a province of China with no separate status, and the authorities in Taipei do not enjoy any form of government status. Officially, Taiwan is referred to as \"Taiwan, Province of China\" within the UN framework.
To date, 183 countries have established diplomatic relations with the PRC based on the one-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as part of China.
The 1992 Consensus
In October 1992, representatives from the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation agreed to the 1992 Consensus. This agreement affirms that both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China and aim towards national reunification.
Since then, both sides have engaged in exchanges and dialogues, including direct ferry travel between Fujian Province and the islands of Kinmen and Matsu, and the establishment of direct mail, transport, and trade routes, facilitating the flow of people, goods, and capital across the Straits.
However, since 2016, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities have refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, a stance criticized by the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office for disrupting peaceful cross-Straits relations.
Reference(s):
Explainer: What are the one-China principle and UNGA Resolution 2758?
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