On September 30, 2026, China reiterated its stance on Taiwan, emphasizing that opposing separatist movements seeking independence and preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait aligns with the shared interests of China and the United States. According to Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, this stance is crucial for maintaining overall stability in Sino-US relations.
Zhang Han highlighted that the Taiwanese authorities' refusal to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, is the primary source of disturbance to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. She urged the populations on both sides of the strait to work together to advance national reunification. This statement comes amid heightened tensions over Taiwan's status.
The 1992 Consensus, reached between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Kuomintang (KMT), asserts that there is only one China, with Taiwan being an integral part of it. However, Taiwanese authorities, led by Lai Ching-te, have persisted in their separatist stance, refusing to recognize the Consensus while promoting Taiwan's independence. China views this as a significant threat to regional stability.
The Taiwan issue originated from a civil war between the CCP and the KMT, culminating in the CCP's establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The defeated KMT forces retreated to Taiwan, leading to the current complex situation. China's firm stance on Taiwan's reunification is rooted in its historical claim and the principle of one-China.
A managed resolution of the Taiwan question is seen as vital to preventing confrontation or conflict, which could severely damage Sino-US relations. Zhang Han warned that mishandling the issue could lead to an extremely dangerous situation. This highlights the delicate balance China seeks to maintain with the US while addressing Taiwan's status.
The international community closely watches developments in the Taiwan Strait due to its implications for global trade and security. As a critical waterway for international commerce, stability in the region is of paramount importance. China's call for cooperation from both sides of the strait aims to ensure peace and stability, benefiting not just China and the US but also the global economy.
The situation remains complex, with Taiwan's future and its relationship with mainland China continuing to influence Sino-US relations significantly. The global community remains attentive to any developments that could impact peace and stability in the region.
Key points
- Opposing Taiwan's independence and maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait serves common Sino-US interests.
