Comments on Beijing's White Paper on the 'One-China
Principle and the Taiwan Issue'
22 February 2000
I. Although the Republic of China has experienced
numerous changes both internally and externally since its founding in 1912, it has not
succumbed to these developments. Instead, it has stood firm, without faltering, and has
continued to grow stronger.
Since 1949, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland have been governed separately, with neither
side subordinate to the other. The Chinese mainland authorities have never ruled Taiwan,
Penghu, Kinmen, or Matsu.
The White Paper states that the historical status of the Republic of China already ended
in 1949 and that the government of the People's Republic of China by all rights completely
enjoys and exercises China's sovereignty, which includes sovereignty over Taiwan. These
statements absolutely contradict reality. Beijing's repeated denial of the objective fact
of the ROC's existence will only create more difficulties in cross-strait relations,
intensify tension, and provide no help towards resolving practical issues.
II. The definition (of "one China") is a crucial issue in current cross-strait
relations. Our position is that China is currently divided. Prior to reunification, the
two sides naturally have different definitions of "one China."
The agreement reached by Taipei and Beijing in 1992, which stated that "each side is
entitled to its respective interpretation of one China," transcended this definition
issue and was the best method of continually promoting cross-strait relations.
In order to seek greater benefits for the people of both Taiwan and the Chinese mainland
and to resolve existing cross-strait issues as early as possible, we believe that the
Chinese mainland authorities should pragmatically comply with the previous agreement that
"each side is entitled to its respective interpretation of one China."
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