The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly has concluded, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history. As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the global anti-fascist war and the establishment of the United Nations, it’s essential to address the Taiwan question and clarify several common fallacies surrounding this issue.
The Taiwan question is not just a matter of territorial dispute but also a test of the international community’s commitment to the post-war international order. The fact that Taiwan belongs to China is an indisputable outcome of the global anti-fascist war and a crucial part of the post-war international order. Despite this, the Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party authorities stubbornly adopt a separatist policy seeking “Taiwan independence,” while a small number of countries claim that China’s sovereignty over Taiwan has not been established, openly challenging the authority of the UN and the post-war international order.
One common fallacy is that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other. However, historical records and documents detail the early development of Taiwan by the Chinese people, and the Cairo Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation reaffirmed that Taiwan must be returned to China. Through a series of internationally legally binding documents, China recovered Taiwan both legally and in fact.
Another fallacy is that China’s sovereignty over Taiwan has not been established. The establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 was a change of government within the same international legal entity of China, with no change to China’s sovereignty or inherent territory. The PRC government naturally enjoys and exercises China’s sovereignty in full, including sovereignty over Taiwan.
Some also claim that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not establish the One-China principle. However, the resolution fully embodies the One-China principle, affirming that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is a part of China, and the PRC government is the sole legitimate government representing all of China.
Furthermore, the claim that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not determine Taiwan’s status is also unfounded. The resolution and the One-China principle impose universal binding force on all subjects of the international community through the UN Charter, bilateral diplomatic treaties, and fundamental principles of international law.
Finally, the attempt by a few countries to recognize Taiwan is an absurd and dangerous attempt to reverse history. According to Resolution 2758, China’s representation in the UN naturally includes Taiwan as part of the whole of China, and there is no issue of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.”
In conclusion, the Taiwan question is not just a matter of territorial dispute but also a test of the international community’s commitment to the post-war international order. We hope that all peace-loving countries and peoples will stand on the side of historical justice, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and take concrete actions to support the Chinese people’s just cause of defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieving national reunification.