Why there is no doubt that Taiwan is part of China

 For several years now, the Taiwan issue has been a thorn in the flesh in China-United States relations. In its continued bid to undermine China’s foreign relations and curb its natural geopolitical ascendency, the US continues to provoke the Taiwan issue by promoting the misconception that Taiwan is an independent country which China has no right to claim.

Now, in a written interview with Al Jazeera Media Network on April 26, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi put the record straight in order to avoid the pervasive misinformation by the US Wang gave a comprehensive narrative on China’s claims to Taiwan going back to historical times.  

Taiwan has been an integral part of China. The governments of China, the US, and the United Kingdom unanimously issued the Cairo Declaration in 1943, which declared unequivocally that Taiwan, which Japan had taken from the Chinese, would be returned to China. "The terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out" was reaffirmed in Article 8 of the 1945 Potsdam Declaration, which put an end to World War II.

Resolution 2758 of the United Nations General Assembly was another clear endorsement of the one-China policy. As a result, the Taiwan issue is solely a domestic Chinese subject, and the Chinese people living on either side of the Taiwan Strait should decide how to bring their country back together.

The Foreign Minister noted that although the cross-Strait situation is stable right now, it still faces significant obstacles. Separatist movements advocating for "Taiwan independence" and outside disturbances pose the greatest threat. The people who stir up problems and jeopardise cross-strait stability the most are those who support "Taiwan independence." As emphasised by President Xi Jinping, total reunification of the homeland is the common goal of the people, the current trend, and a historical necessity that cannot be stopped by force.

Wang also stated that China firmly believes that the international community and Middle East will continue to uphold the one-China principle and support the legitimate cause of the Chinese people, who are fighting separatist efforts aimed at "Taiwan independence" and working toward national reunification.

As already noted, China's claim to Taiwan is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and political factors, providing a nuanced perspective on the complex issue of Taiwan's sovereignty. Let us explore the historical context, legal arguments, and geopolitical realities that underpin China's claim to Taiwan.

Taiwan has been an integral part of Chinese territory for centuries, with historical records dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) documenting Chinese exploration and settlement of the island. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), Taiwan was formally incorporated into China's administrative system. This historical connection forms the basis of China's assertion that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory.

In 1949, following the Chinese Civil War, the Communist Party of China emerged victorious, establishing the People's Republic of China on the mainland, while the defeated Kuomintang retreated to Taiwan and established the Republic of China government. Despite the split, both the PRC and the ROC continued to claim sovereignty over all of China, including Taiwan, maintaining the "one China" principle.

The geopolitical landscape further solidifies China's claim to Taiwan. The international community, including the UN, has long recognised the PRC as the sole legitimate government of China, with Taiwan's representation relegated to a diplomatic limbo. The One-China policy, adhered to by the majority of nations, acknowledges that there is only one China and recognises the PRC as its legitimate government. This policy underscores the international consensus on Taiwan's status as part of China.

Moreover, China's rapid economic growth and increasing global influence have bolstered its claim to Taiwan. As one of the world's largest economies and a major player in global affairs, China wields significant diplomatic and economic leverage, compelling many countries to adhere to its One-China policy. Taiwan's diplomatic isolation and limited international recognition further reinforce China's claim, as it underscores the international community's acceptance of Taiwan as part of China.

Despite these historical, legal, and geopolitical arguments supporting China's claim to Taiwan, the issue remains highly contentious, with diverging perspectives and complex dynamics at play. Taiwan has evolved into a vibrant democracy with its own political system, government, and military, leading many Taiwanese to identify as a separate entity from mainland China.

Furthermore, Taiwan's strategic importance, particularly in the context of US-China relations, adds another layer of complexity to the issue. The US, while officially recognising the One-China policy, has maintained unofficial ties with Taiwan, providing defence assistance and supporting its participation in international organisations. This delicate balancing act reflects the broader geopolitical rivalry between the US and China, and underscores Taiwan's unique status as a potential flashpoint in East Asian security.

China's claim to Taiwan is multifaceted, encompassing historical, legal, and geopolitical dimensions. While rooted in centuries of historical ties and reinforced by international agreements and diplomatic recognition, the issue remains contentious, shaped by evolving political dynamics and global power struggles. As Taiwan continues to navigate its complex relationship with China and the international community, the resolution of the Taiwan question remains a pressing challenge with far-reaching implications for regional stability and global politics.

Stephen Ndegwa is the Executive Director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank, and a PhD student at the United States International University-Africa