This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s restoration to Chinese sovereignty. Recently, the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress, a milestone decision was made: October 25 is designated as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration.
The solemn decision came at a time when the shared aspiration and collective will of the Chinese nation to achieve national reunification have never been more stronger.
History doesn’t forget
Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China’s territory since ancient time. Following its failure in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, the Qing government signed the unequal treaty of Shimonoseki, which led to the occupation of Taiwan and the Penghu Islands by Japanese imperialism in 1895.
This period was marked by the suffering of the compatriots in Taiwan under colonial rule. Fifty years on, in 1945, China achieved the glorious victory in the war of resistance against Japanese Aggression after 14 years of arduous struggle. On October 25, 1945, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands were restored to Chinese sovereignty. China recovered Taiwan de jure and de facto since then.
However, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities of Taiwan and “Taiwan independence” separatist forces keep colluding with external forces to take provocative actions to seek independence and divide the country. Such acts attempt to trample upon the outcomes of the hard-won victory and challenge the post-war international order. History must be respected, and the fruits of victory must be defended. China will not tolerate any damage to its national sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Law doesn’t ignore
On October 25, 1971, the 26th United Nations General Assembly session adopted by an overwhelming majority Resolution 2758, which undertook to restore all its rights to the People’s Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the UN. The resolution has completely ruled out the possibility of “two Chinas”, “one China, one Taiwan”, and “Taiwan independence”. The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and an international consensus upheld by the international community.
However, some countries have resurrected the “theory of the undetermined status of Taiwan” and fabricated the fallacy that the UNGA Resolution 2758 has nothing to do with Taiwan. The hidden agenda behind this is to use the Taiwan question to contain China and serve for its own interests. Any attempt to misrepresent or misinterpret Resolution 2758 is undermining the authority of the United Nations and the international law system. It is doomed to failure.
China’s complete reunification is irresistible
There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. For decades, resolving the Taiwan question and achieving complete reunification of the motherland has been the shared expectation of all Chinese sons and daughters, and an integral part of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
As history has it, unity brings strength while division leads to chaos. Under the leadership and guidance of the Communist Party of China, cross-Straits relations have achieved tremendous progress over the past decades, featured by increasingly extensive cooperation and ever closer people-to-people exchanges, bringing tangible benefits to compatriots on both sides.
Moreover, China’s fast development in economy, technology, military and culture has been translated into the ability and motivation to promote reunification. Backed by the strong support from the motherland, Taiwan will witness greater progress in economic growth, energy and resource security, infrastructure, public security, and external exchanges, which will improve the livelihood and welfare of Taiwan compatriots. Together, we will share the dignity and glory of our great nation and embrace a brighter future of prosperity and stability.
As President Xi Jinping observed, the Taiwan question arose as a result of weakness and chaos in our nation, and it will be resolved as national rejuvenation becomes a reality. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people on both sides of the Straits; it can and must be decided jointly by the Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots.
Reunification is an unstoppable and irresistible cause that is bound to happen.
Rwanda and China are good brothers. We have always supported each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. Rwanda has been committed to adhering to the one-China principle, and supporting all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. China highly appreciates this position. We count on Rwandan side’s continuous and consistent support.
China’s reunification is inevitable and irresistible in the interest of China, Rwanda, Africa and the world.
GAO Wenqi
Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda
