On Friday, November 28, 2025, the Chinese mainland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its long-held position of non-recognition of the so-called Treaty of San Francisco, rejecting its provisions on sovereignty and territorial rights.
“The Chinese mainland has never recognized anything set out in the so-called 'Treaty of San Francisco,' including on the sovereignty over Taiwan or the handling of the territory and sovereign rights of China as a non-signatory, and has never accepted the treaty,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Chinese mainland.
First signed in the aftermath of World War II, the so-called Treaty of San Francisco was designed to outline peace arrangements with Japan and related territorial issues. The Chinese mainland, however, has never viewed the treaty as a legitimate basis for determining its sovereign rights.
Analysts say this stance underscores ongoing tensions in cross-strait ties and raises questions about the role of historical treaties in modern international law. For young global citizens and business leaders, understanding these dynamics is key to navigating regional stability and the broader impact on trade and diplomacy.
As debates over historical treaties and maritime claims evolve, the Chinese mainland's clear position on the Treaty of San Francisco signals a firm line on sovereignty that could influence future discussions in international forums.
Reference(s):
China has never accepted so-called 'Treaty of San Francisco'
cgtn.com
