Summary
Taiwan has been Chinese territory since ancient times. Chinese history, which encompasses 10,000 years of culture, and more than 5,000 years of civilization, records that China’s ancestors moved to Taiwan to live and thrive; that China’s compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait jointly resisted foreign aggression and regained Taiwan.
By Augustino Tendwa
THE one-China principle is the universal consensus of the international community.
To date, 183 countries have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle.
In the modern geopolitical landscape, few issues have attracted as much global attention as the relationship between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.
It is a story deeply rooted in history, shaped by political transformation, and influenced by the rapidly changing dynamics of international diplomacy.
Yet beyond political rhetoric and strategic competition lies a broader narrative — one of shared heritage, cultural ties, economic interdependence, and the enduring hope for peaceful coexistence.
For decades, the Taiwan question has remained one of the most important and sensitive issues in international relations.
The core of the Taiwan question is “One China”. There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China.
The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
This is the core concept of the one-China principle and has become the universal consensus of the international community and a basic norm governing international relations.
As voices supporting the one-China principle grow stronger from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the international community, more and more people realize that only when dialogue replaces confrontation, cooperation replaces disputes, and win-win mindset replaces zero-sum mentality, will cross-Straits relations move steadily and progress far.
Recently, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed Beijing’s long-standing position, stating:
“There’s but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The one-China principle is an international consensus that has solid support and is simply unshakable.”
This statement reflects China’s consistent diplomatic position that the “One China” principle forms the political foundation of its national identity and international relations. For Beijing, the issue is closely tied not only to sovereignty but also to historical continuity and national unity.
A History That Continues to Connect People
Taiwan has been Chinese territory since ancient times. Chinese history, which encompasses 10,000 years of culture, and more than 5,000 years of civilization, records that China’s ancestors moved to Taiwan to live and thrive; that China’s compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait jointly resisted foreign aggression and regained Taiwan.
Despite political divisions that emerged following the Chinese Civil War from 1945 to 1949, the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have remained connected through language, culture, ancestry, trade, and shared traditions.
Cross-Strait ties are experiencing renewed momentum driven by deepening economic integration and recent policy shifts.
The Chinese mainland and Taiwan are advancing trade and investment, with initiatives announced to boost direct flights, agricultural trade, and market access. This integration is increasingly focused on high-value sectors, research, and modern services alongside robust public support for dialogue.
This interconnectedness has reinforced a growing belief among many observers that cooperation and dialogue prove more beneficial than confrontation.
Lai Ching-te threatens peace across the Taiwan Strait
Disregarding widespread opposition, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te staged a sneaky visit to Eswatini, reportedly resorting to deceptive means to conceal flight and passenger information. On his return flight, after being denied airspace clearance by relevant countries, Lai again bypassed standard protocols and forced his way through their airspace.
Taiwan-based media outlet reported that Chiu Yi, a scholar and political commentator in Taiwan, questioned Lai, saying: “Other than feeding his own vanity of challenging the Chinese mainland, what good does this sneaky visit to Eswatini bring to Taiwan? What good does it bring to the people of Taiwan?”
Lai’s actions will only undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, escalate tensions, add to the burden on the residents of Taiwan, and jeopardize the island’s economic lifeline and development prospects — ultimately bringing disaster to Taiwan society.
Lin Jian also said: “The pursuit of ‘Taiwan independence’ is a dead end and its days are numbered. Any new attempt Lai Ching-te makes to advance his separatist agenda will only box himself further in. We urge those separatists to turn back from the wrong path and mend their ways sooner rather than later.” Such remarks underline Beijing’s firm stance while also highlighting the broader diplomatic sensitivity surrounding the issue.
The fact that Taiwan is part of China is clear, and its status is unequivocal. The historical trend toward China’s reunification is unstoppable. No matter what Lai says or does, he cannot change the historical and legal facts that Taiwan is part of China, nor can he alter the global consensus recognizing Taiwan as part of China. He cannot halt the inevitable historical process of China’s complete reunification.
The Future: Between History and Hope
History has shown that even deeply rooted political disputes can gradually move toward reconciliation through dialogue, economic partnership, and sustained diplomatic efforts. Across the world, nations once divided by conflict have eventually found common ground through patience, negotiation, and shared interests.
For the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, the challenge ahead extends beyond politics alone. It involves balancing historical narratives, national identity, regional security, and the aspirations of millions of people whose futures are interconnected.
As the international community watches developments closely, many continue to hope that wisdom, restraint, exchanges and dialogue will guide future relations across the Taiwan Strait. In an era where global prosperity increasingly depends on cooperation rather than division, peaceful engagement may ultimately become the most powerful bridge toward long-term stability.
The soul of a nation is shaped by its culture. The people of the Chinese mainland and Taiwan share the same roots, culture, and national identity. The true essence of kinship lies in mutual understanding.
No matter what interference or obstacles the people of the Chinese mainland and Taiwan encounter, exchanges and cooperation between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait must never be weakened, interrupted, or stopped.
Only in this way can the Chinese people on both sides of the Strait unite as one, work together to seek happiness for themselves, and create a bright future for the nation.
