China Sternly Rebukes U.S. for Distorting WWII Documents on Taiwan's Status, Reaffirms One-China Principle

Beijing, China - Ekhbary News Agency

China Sternly Rebukes U.S. for Distorting WWII Documents on Taiwan's Status, Reaffirms One-China Principle

In a sharp diplomatic escalation, China has vehemently condemned recent statements by the United States regarding the ultimate political status of Taiwan, asserting that Washington's "unilateral distortion and misinterpretation" of World War II documents cannot undermine the international community's steadfast commitment to the one-China principle. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, delivered a forceful rebuke on Wednesday, underscoring Beijing's unwavering stance on Taiwan as an inalienable part of China.

The controversy stems from remarks made by a U.S. State Department spokesperson, who suggested that key historical agreements, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, did not definitively determine Taiwan's final political status. This assertion has been met with significant ire from Beijing, which views such interpretations as a deliberate attempt to challenge the foundational tenets of post-WWII international order and the universally recognized one-China policy.

China's position is rooted in a series of crucial historical documents and international agreements. The Cairo Declaration, issued in 1943 by China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, explicitly stated that "all the territories Japan has stolen from the Chinese, such as Formosa [Taiwan] and The Pescadores, shall be restored to the Republic of China." This commitment was subsequently reaffirmed in the Potsdam Proclamation of 1945, signed by the U.S., UK, and China (later acceded to by the Soviet Union), which stipulated that "the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out." Japan formally accepted these terms in its Instrument of Surrender in 1945, effectively returning Taiwan to China. Furthermore, UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, recognized the People's Republic of China as "the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations," thereby acknowledging the one-China principle on a global stage.

Spokesperson Lin Jian stressed that the one-China principle is not merely a policy preference but a "universal consensus of the international community" and a fundamental norm governing international relations. It forms the bedrock of diplomatic ties between China and 183 countries, including the United States. Any attempt to dilute or reinterpret this principle is seen by Beijing as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and global peace.

Lin specifically urged the U.S. to fully adhere to the one-China principle and the three historic China-U.S. Joint Communiques. These communiques – the Shanghai Communique (1972), the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations (1979), and the August 17 Communique (1982) – form the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. In these documents, the U.S. explicitly acknowledged the one-China principle, recognized the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and stated that it would maintain unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan. China views any deviation from these commitments as a betrayal of trust and a violation of solemn agreements.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson issued a clear warning to Washington, demanding that it "stop manipulating the Taiwan question, conniving or supporting 'Taiwan independence' in any form, and refrain from interfering in China's internal affairs." Beijing perceives the U.S. State Department's recent remarks as providing tacit encouragement to separatist forces in Taiwan, thereby dangerously escalating cross-strait tensions. China has consistently maintained that the Taiwan question is its most sensitive and important core interest, allowing no external interference.

The historical context underscores the gravity of China's claims. Taiwan's return to China after WWII was an integral part of the post-war international order designed to rectify historical injustices and establish a stable global framework. Undermining this historical fact, according to Beijing, not only questions China's sovereignty but also challenges the very principles that govern international relations and territorial integrity worldwide. The potential for destabilization in the Indo-Pacific region, a vital global economic and strategic hub, is a major concern should the U.S. continue to challenge the established status quo.

In conclusion, China's firm stance reflects its determination to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The recent exchange highlights the deep divergence in interpretation of historical documents and international law between Beijing and Washington regarding Taiwan. For China, the one-China principle is non-negotiable, and any U.S. actions or statements perceived as undermining it will inevitably lead to strong countermeasures and further strain the already complex relationship between the world's two largest economies. The international community is keenly observing how this critical issue will evolve, given its profound implications for global stability.

Ekhbary News Agency