President Cyril Ramaphosa (left) President Xi Jinping during a state visit to China September 3, 2024. The Chinese government appreciates the South African government’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and is ready to work with South Africa to further enhance strategic communication and deepen political mutual trust, says the writer.
Image: GCIS
Li Zhigang, Chargé d' Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa
Image: Supplied
Li Zhigang
THIS year marks the 20th Anniversary of China’s Anti-Secession Law. Two decades ago, “Taiwan independence” separatist activities became increasingly rampant and seriously threatened China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Anti-Secession Law marks a historic milestone in the history of cross-Strait relations
In order to reject and curb “Taiwan independence” separatism and promote national reunification, the Chinese government, in response to the strong calls of the people of the Chinese nation, both home and abroad, made the momentous decision to formulate the Anti-Secession Law.
The third session of the tenth National People’s Congress voted overwhelmingly to adopt this law, marking a historic milestone in the history of cross-Strait relations.
Over the past 20 years, China has fully implemented the Anti-Secession Law, continuously enriched the legal framework for punishing “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, resolutely fought against separatism, countered interference, and improved systems and policies that contribute to the well-being of Taiwan compatriots.
These efforts have effectively upheld the one-China principle, leading to continuous progress and achievements in opposing “Taiwan independence” and promoting reunification.
Any attempt to distort, trample on or challenge Resolution 2758 is doomed to fail
The one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community and a basic norm in international relations.
In 1971, Resolution 2758 was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly with an overwhelming majority. It decides to restore all the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China at the U.N. and expel forthwith the representatives of the Taiwan authorities from the U.N. and all the organizations related to it.
Once and for all, this resolution resolved the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, at the U.N., and precluded any possibility of creating “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.” The only proper reference to the Taiwan region in the U.N. is “Taiwan, Province of China.”
Any attempt to distort, trample on or challenge Resolution 2758 is doomed to fail.
Firmly Opposing “Taiwan Independence” is a significant contribution by China to world peace and stability.
For a period of time, “Taiwan independence” separatist forces have colluded with external forces to constantly make separatist provocations, severely threatening China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. These actions are as incompatible with cross-Strait peace and stability as fire and water and run contrary to the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
The Anti-Secession Law has drawn a red line that can not be crossed for “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. If anyone insists on provocation or even crosses the red line, we will have to take resolute measures to defend our national sovereignty and territorial integrity and protect the common home of the Chinese nation.
This is not only a fundamental safeguard of the interests and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, but also a significant contribution by China to world peace and stability.
Upholding the one-China principle has become a consensus among all sectors of society in both countries.
China-South Africa relations have maintained a strong and stable trajectory for a long time.
Last year, the two countries jointly elevated bilateral relations to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. The South African government has long adhered to the one-China principle and reiterated many times in our joint communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations, as well as in many other joint statements that, it recognizes that there is but one China in the world, the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and South Africa supports efforts made by the Chinese Government to achieve national reunification.
Upholding the one-China principle has become a consensus among all sectors of society in both countries.
The Chinese government appreciates the South African government’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and is ready to work with South Africa to further enhance strategic communication, deepen political mutual trust, and continue to understand and support each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns.
Together, China and South Africa will advance the all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era to achieve more tangible results that benefit the peoples of both countries while contributing to world peace, development and prosperity.
Li Zhigang is the Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of China in South Africa.