The One-China Principle: The Cornerstone of the International Order and Peace Across the Taiwan Strait

Article by H.E. Zheng Bingkai, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados

The Taiwan question concerns China’s core interests and is purely China’s internal affair, allowing no external interference. Adherence to the one-China principle is not only the consistent position of the Chinese government, but also a universally recognized norm governing international relations. Looking back at history, assessing the present, and looking toward the future, the one-China principle remains the fundamental basis for properly handling the Taiwan question, safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and promoting regional prosperity and development.

Taiwan has been an integral part of China’s territory since ancient times, a fact supported by clear historical evidence and sound legal foundations. From the exercise of jurisdiction over Taiwan by successive Chinese central governments, to the 1943 Cairo Declaration stipulating that Taiwan, which had been stolen by Japan, should be restored to China, and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation reaffirming the implementation of the Cairo Declaration, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan following Japan’s unconditional surrender. This historical process constitutes an important historical and legal foundation for Taiwan being an inalienable part of China’s territory. Following the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, China’s status as a subject of international law remained unchanged, as did its sovereignty over and territorial integrity including Taiwan.

The broad international recognition of the one-China principle has further reinforced this fact. In 1971, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 restored all the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and recognized the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China to the United Nations. Since then, the one-China principle has become the political foundation for the development of relations between China and the overwhelming majority of countries, as well as an integral part of the basic norms governing international relations.

Safeguarding national unity is not only the shared aspiration of the Chinese nation but also an essential requirement for national rejuvenation. History has repeatedly demonstrated that unity brings prosperity, while division leads to turmoil and suffering. As cross-Strait economic and social ties continue to deepen and exchanges and cooperation between people on both sides expand, the conditions for China’s complete reunification have become increasingly favorable, supported by stronger material foundations, broader public support, and greater momentum for development. Sharing the same roots, culture, and heritage, compatriots on both sides of the Strait stand to benefit from expanded exchanges, deeper integration, and closer cooperation, which serve the common interests of both sides and contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.

Peaceful reunification must be pursued on the basis of upholding the one-China principle and firmly opposing “Taiwan independence” separatist activities. Any attempt to create “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan,” or any effort by external forces to interfere in China’s internal affairs through the Taiwan question, runs counter to international law and the basic norms of international relations, while undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Facts have repeatedly shown that “Taiwan independence” brings no peace; instead, it fuels confrontation, heightens risks, and places Taiwan itself in greater peril.

At a time when the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, upholding the international order requires greater respect than ever for international law and the basic norms governing international relations. The one-China principle is not only essential to safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also to preserving the post-war international order and upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, together with the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, are universally accepted norms of international relations, and they apply equally to the Taiwan question.

Barbados was among the first countries in the Eastern Caribbean to establish diplomatic relations with China and has long been a trusted friend and valued partner of China in the region. Over the past 49 years, bilateral relations have continued to grow steadily on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and adherence to the one-China principle, yielding fruitful results across a wide range of areas. China highly appreciates Barbados’ steadfast commitment to the one-China principle and stands ready to work with Barbados to implement the important consensus reached by our leaders, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation across all sectors, continue to support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns, further enrich the China-Barbados strategic partnership, and build an even closer China-Barbados community with a shared future.