This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s recovery. At present, 183 countries, including the Maldives, have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle, which has become a fundamental norm governing international relations and a universally recognized consensus of the international community. Lately, some countries have spoken about the Taiwan question by only stressing ideas like “peace matters more than reunification”or that “China must reunify peacefully.”These misleading claims appear to advocate peace across the Taiwan Strait, but in fact aim to obstruct China’s reunification and promote peaceful separation. We firmly oppose such views.
Reunification across the Taiwan Strait is a matter of historical certainty. Peace is the best way to achieve it, but not the only way. In 1971, the 26th session of the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 with an overwhelming majority. It clearly confirmed that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is a part of China. On this core issue, there is no grey area and no room for ambiguity. Due to historical reasons and interference by outside forces, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have remained in a special state of political separation. But the fact that Taiwan is part of China’s territory has never changed. Only when China achieves full reunification can there be lasting peace across the Strait. Those misleading claims have reversed the order of things. They distort the relationship between peace and reunification, and use it as an excuse to block the reunification process. This essentially interferes in China’s internal affairs and fuels “Taiwan independence” separatism.
“Taiwan independence” separatist activities, along with indulgence from external forces, pose the biggest threat to peace across the Taiwan Strait. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under Lai Ching-te persists in their separatist position and adopt policies that neglect basic economic facts. They have attempted to sever economic and industrial ties across the Strait, and have sought to flatter foreign powers in a bid to “seek independence by relying on foreign support” or “through military buildup.” Such actions have heightened tensions between the two sides and fully exposed the DPP as a troublemaker and a “source of crisis.” Some countries have colluded with Taiwan separatist forces to spread lies and false narratives about Taiwan. They have attempted to revive the fallacy that “Taiwan’s status is undetermined,” deliberately misinterpreted UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, and challenged China’s sovereignty — all of which seriously endanger peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Upholding the one-China principle is the anchor of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. National sovereignty and territorial integrity are the core interests of sovereign states. China’s firm commitment to the one-China principle is not only a resolute defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also a strong safeguard for the purposes of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international law. “Taiwan independence” goes against peace and stability across the Strait. The stronger and clearer the opposition to separatist forces, the more secure peace in the region will be. However, some countries claim to support peace in the Taiwan Strait while remaining vague or evasive on the one-China principle. Worse still, they go so far as to tolerate or even support separatist activities. This is not only self-contradictory, but also irresponsible. Countries that truly care about peace in the Taiwan Strait should firmly support the one-China principle, and oppose any form of “Taiwan independence” separatist moves.
The reunification of both sides of the Taiwan Strait is a historical inevitability on the path to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Any attempt to obstruct China’s reunification is bound to fail. China appreciates the Maldives’ firm support for the one-China principle. We will steadfastly defend our sovereignty and work tirelessly for full reunification and lasting peace across the Taiwan Strait.
(The author of this article is the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives)