Facts on the Taiwan question

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council explain basic facts about Taiwan.

Q: Why is Taiwan part of China?

A: Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times. The 1943 Cairo Declaration and the 1945 Potsdam Proclamation clearly stipulated that Taiwan, a Chinese territory stolen by Japan, shall be restored to China. These documents with international legal effect formed an integral part of the post-WWII international order and also established the legal foundation of Taiwan's status as China's inalienable territory.

In 1949, the government of the People's Republic of China was established, replacing the government of the Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China. It was a change of government without changing China as a subject of international law. China's sovereignty and inherent territorial boundaries did not change. Rightfully, the government of the PRC fully enjoys and exercises China's sovereignty, including that over Taiwan.

Q: Why does UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 fully reflect the one-China principle?

A: The resolution resolved once and for all the question of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the United Nations as a political, legal and procedural issue. It made clear that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is a part of China, not a country. It also made clear that there is only one seat for China in the UN, and the government of the PRC is the sole legal representative, precluding "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan".

Q: How is Resolution 2758 reflected in practice?

A: The UN Office of Legal Affairs has issued legal opinions stating very clearly that "the United Nations considers 'Taiwan' as a province of China with no separate status","'authorities' in 'Taipei' are not considered to... enjoy any form of governmental status", "use the term 'Taiwan, Province of China' when a reference to 'Taiwan' is required in United Nations Secretariat documents".

The one-China principle is also the fundamental prerequisite and political foundation for China to establish and develop relations with all other countries. From the very first country that established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China to the 183rd country, Nauru, they have all made political commitment to adhering to the one-China principle, and included this commitment in political documents. And they have all severed so-called diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Q: Can Taiwan participate in international organizations?

A: As part of China's territory, Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to participate in the UN or any other international organizations where membership is exclusive to sovereign countries. Any issue concerning the Taiwan region's participation in the activities of international organizations must be handled on the basis of the one-China principle, as reaffirmed by Resolution 2758.

The principle was again confirmed in May 1972 by Resolution 25.1 of the 25th World Health Assembly, which was adopted in accordance with Resolution 2758. Hence, whether and how Taiwan participates in the WHA can only be decided by the central government of China.

The Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan refuse to accept the 1992 Consensus that reflects the one-China principle, and are hellbent on the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence". As a result, the political foundation for Taiwan to participate in the WHA no longer exists.