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05/10/2001
China's White Paper: A Look Back
[Due to travel, Hott Spotts will return on May 24.]
In light of recent developments, it''s a good time to take a look
back at China''s "White Paper" from early 2000. Following are
some excerpts from "Hott Spotts" pieces in March of last year.
Everything is verbatim from the document, unless otherwise
noted, and is the official position of the Chinese Government.
"The One China Principle and the Taiwan Issue"
From 1979, the Chinese government has striven for the peaceful
reunification of China in the form of "one country, two systems"
with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. Economic and
cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts between the
two sides of the Taiwan Straits have made rapid progress since
the end of 1987. Unfortunately, from the 1990s, (the last two
Taiwanese leaders have) progressively betrayed the One-China
Principle, striving to promote a separatist policy with "two
Chinas" at the core, going so far as to openly describe the cross-
Straits relations as "state-to-state relations"...This action has
seriously damaged the basis for peaceful reunification of the two
sides, harmed the fundamental interests of the entire Chinese
nation including the Taiwan compatriots, and jeopardized peace
and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The Chinese government
has consistently adhered to the One-China Principle and
resolutely opposed any attempt to separate Taiwan from China.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. All the facts and laws
about Taiwan prove that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese
territory. [*The document goes into great detail on past treaties,
which you can find in the 3/9/2000 piece if you''re interested.]
On October 1, 1949, the Central People''s Government of the
PRC was proclaimed, replacing the government of the Republic
of China to become the only legal government of the whole of
China and its sole legal representative in the international arena,
thereby bringing the historical status of the Republic of China to
an end.
Since the (Kuomintang forces led by Chiang Kai-shek) retreated
to Taiwan, although its regime has continued to use the
designations "Republic of China" and "government of the
Republic of China," it has long since completely forfeited its
right to exercise state sovereignty on behalf of China and, in
reality, has always remained only a local authority in Chinese
territory.
On the day of its founding, the Central People''s Government of
the PRC declared to governments of all countries in the world,
"This government is the sole legitimate government representing
the entire people of the People''s Republic of China. It is ready
to establish diplomatic relations with all foreign governments
that are willing to abide by the principles of equality, mutual
benefit and mutual respect for each other''s territorial integrity
and sovereignty."
China will do its best to achieve peaceful reunificaiton, but will
not commit itself to rule out the use of force; will actively
promote people-to-people contacts and economic and cultural
exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, and start
direct trade, postal, air and shipping services as soon as possible;
achieve reunification through peaceful negotiations and, on the
premise of the One-China Principle, any matter can be
negotiated. After reunification, the policy of "one country, two
systems" will be practiced, with the main body of China (the
Chinese mainland) continuing with its socialist system, and
Taiwan maintaining its capitalist system for a long period of time
to come. After reunification, Taiwan will enjoy a high degree of
autonomy, and the Central Government will not send troops or
administrative personnel to be stationed in Taiwan. Resolution
of the Taiwan issue is an internal affair of China, which should
be achieved by the Chinese themselves, and there is no call for
aid by foreign forces.
[But...]
While carrying out the policy of peaceful reunification, the
Chinese government always makes it clear that the means used to
solve the Taiwan issue is a matter of China''s internal affairs, and
China is under no obligation to commit itself to rule out the use
of force.
If Taiwan denies the One-China Principle and tries to separate
Taiwan from the territory of China, the premise and basis for
peaceful reunification will cease to exist.
As for the United States...it should maintain only cultural,
commercial and other non-governmental relations with Taiwan;
oppose "Taiwan independence," "two Chinas" or "one China,
one Taiwan," and not to stand in the way of the reunification of
China. Acting otherwise will destroy the external conditions
necessary for the Chinese government to strive for peaceful
reunification.
No country maintaining diplomatic relations with China should
provide arms to Taiwan or enter into military alliance of any
form with Taiwan. The U.S. has repeatedly contravened its
solemn undertakings to China...and continued its sale of
advanced arms and military equipment to Taiwan. Recently,
some people in the U.S. Congress have cooked up the so-called
Taiwan Security Enhancement Act and are attempting to include
Taiwan in the (Theatre Missile Defense System). This is gross
interference in China''s internal affairs and a grave threat to
China''s security, obstructing the peaceful reunification of China
and jeopardizing the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific
region and the world at large. The Chinese government is firmly
against such actions.
The Chinese government and people absolutely have the
determination and ability to safeguard China''s sovereignty and
territorial integrity, and will never tolerate, condone or remain
indifferent to the realization of any scheme to divide China. Any
such scheme is doomed to failure.
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So there you go. That was almost 18 months ago. Since these
statements were delivered to the world, the diplomatic situation
has deteriorated even further. Your editor is embarking on a
little Asian adventure over the coming weeks and I hope to bring
back some more insight.
Hott Spotts will return May 24.
Brian Trumbore
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