China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning refuted claims by Taiwan authorities that the San Francisco Treaty replaced the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation in determining Taiwan’s post–World War II status.
“Taiwan’s return to China stands as a cornerstone of the Allied victory and the post-war order,” Mao said at Monday’s briefing. She pointed to binding documents like the Cairo Declaration (1943), the Potsdam Proclamation (1945), and Japan’s Instrument of Surrender as clear legal confirmation of China’s sovereignty over Taiwan.
Highlighting the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949, Mao stressed that the PRC has since served as the sole legitimate government of China, a change in regime that did not alter China’s standing as a subject of international law. “China’s sovereignty and territory have remained consistent,” she said, adding that the PRC fully exercises sovereignty over all its land, including Taiwan.
The spokesperson dismissed the San Francisco Treaty as illegal and invalid, noting its unilateral drafting by the United States and allies without involvement from the PRC or the Soviet Union. Mao argued that this approach contravened the 1942 Declaration by United Nations and the UN Charter, undermining fundamental principles of international law.
Mao also accused the Democratic Progressive Party authorities of distorting WWII history and betraying national interests. “No matter the claims of the DPP authorities, they cannot alter the indisputable legal fact that Taiwan is part of China, nor can they undermine the one-China consensus,” she said.
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MOFA refutes DPP authorities' claims over 'San Francisco treaty'
cgtn.com
