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· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Published a Signed Article Titled “Taiwan is a Touchstone” on The Guardian(2022-08-16)
· At the Roundtable Discussion with People from Various Sectors of the UK, Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Emphasised: Foiling the Separatist Attempts Seeking “Taiwan Independence” Helps Safeguard Peace and Stability in the Taiwan Strait; Observing the One-China Principle Will Ensure the Smooth Development of the China-UK Relations(2022-08-15)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: The Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly condemns the wrong remarks of the UK Side on the Taiwan Question(2022-08-10)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang's Remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 21st "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition UK Regional Final(2022-06-27)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang on Taiwan Issue(2022-04-27)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Delivers President Xi Jinping’s Reply Letter to Francis Holland School(2022-04-24)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: Carry on Dialogue and Cooperation instead of Division and Confrontation(2022-04-22)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Shared with Chinese and British Representatives China’s Position on Ukraine Issue(2022-03-23)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Delivered Remarks at the Seminar on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-UK Ambassadorial Diplomatic Relations(2022-03-23)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang contributes an article on China-UK business cooperation to the International Business Daily(2022-03-16)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang wrote an article for CGTN in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the China-UK Ambassadorial diplomatic relations(2022-03-14)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang wrote an article for People’s Daily in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the China-UK Ambassadorial diplomatic relations(2022-03-13)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Attends 2022 Chinese New Year Reception for UK Education Partners & CSSAUK Chinese New Year Gala(2022-01-29)
· The Chinese Embassy Hosts Online Reception to Mark the Chinese New Year of the Tiger(2022-01-27)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Delivers a Keynote Speech at the Online Chinese New Year Reception(2022-01-24)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: China Leads the World in Pandemic Response and Economic Recovery(2022-01-20)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Delivers Keynote Speech at the CCCUK Annual Online Conference & Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of CCCUK(2022-01-20)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: Stirring up Sino-phobia is Aimed at Turning back the Wheel of History(2022-01-20)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Sends Congratulations on the 10th Anniversary of the UK edition of Nouvelles D’Europe(2021-12-26)
· Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at the Launch of the Online Event “Together for a Shared Future: 50 Days to the Beijing Winter Olympics”: Together for a Shared Future(2021-12-16)
· Keynote Speech by Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at Online Symposium on the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee: Build on the Great Achievements of One Hundred Years’ Efforts and Embark on a New Journey(2021-11-23)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Delivers Keynote Address at Asia House Online Roundtable(2021-11-18)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Addressed the Bank of China Listing Ceremony of ESG Bonds at London Stock Exchange(2021-11-13)
· Speech by Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at Launch of Report “Targeting Net Zero: The Role of UK-China Business”: Working Together to Promote Green and Low-carbon Development(2021-11-10)
· Zheng Zeguang: China's sustainable development displays its commitment as a responsible country(2021-10-14)
· Zheng Zeguang: China and the UK should make due contribution to green development and environmental protection(2021-10-14)
· Ambassador Zheng: The Taiwan Question is China's Internal Affair Which Brooks No External Interference; China's Reunification is An Inevitable Trend that No One Can Hold Back(2021-10-07)
· Speech by H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at the Online Reception Celebrating the 72nd Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China: Forging ahead towards Greater Success(2021-09-29)
· Ambassador Zheng: History is the best textbook(2021-09-29)
· Ambassador Zheng: China is embarking on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in a comprehensive way(2021-09-29)
· Ambassaodr Zheng Zeguang talks about "five China's stories" at National Day reception(2021-09-29)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: To enhance understanding and trust, China and the UK can make concerted efforts in the four aspects(2021-09-29)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: the strong bond between our peoples heralds a bright future for China-UK relations(2021-09-29)
· Remarks by HE Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at the Launch of the "All Under One Moon" Virtual Programme: Appreciate the Chinese Culture and Join Hands to Build a Beautiful World(2021-09-18)
· Keynote Speech and Q&A by HE Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at the Online Icebreaker Lecture(2021-09-14)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Makes Remarks and Answers Questions at Online Press Conference on Xinjiang-related Issues Co-hosted by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(2021-09-10)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Attends Online Press Conference on Xinjiang-related Issues Co-hosted by Chinese Embassy in UK and Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Makes Remarks(2021-09-10)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang delivers video remarks in celebration of the 94th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army(2021-07-31)
· Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at Online Welcoming Reception: Forge ahead with the Original Mission Firmly in Mind(2021-07-14)
· Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at the 'the Online Exhibition of Achievements of Chinese Enterprises in the UK': Seize Opportunities to Forge Ahead in China-UK Economic and Trade Relations(2021-06-29)
· Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at the 'the Online Exhibition of Achievements of Chinese Enterprises in the UK': Seize Opportunities to Forge Ahead in China-UK Economic and Trade Relations(2021-06-29)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: Success of Chin-UK cooperation serves as a guide for future efforts(2021-06-29)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: China and the UK still need the "icebreaking" spirit(2021-06-29)
· Ambassador Zheng Zheguang: Three hopes for students and enthusiasts of Chinese language(2021-06-29)
· Ambassdor Zheng Zeguang encourages business communities to tap the gold mine of China-UK cooperation(2021-06-29)
· Remarks by Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at Online Event Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China Jointly Hosted by the Consulate General of China in Manchester and the Communist Party of Britain(2021-06-27)
· Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at the Opening of the 20th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition UK Regional Final: Appreciate the Beauty of the Chinese Language and Draw on the Power of Communication(2021-06-27)
· Keynote Speech by H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at the Symposium on the Centenary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China and China's Future Development: Celebrate A Glorious Century and Create A More Splendid Future(2021-06-23)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: The disinformation farce of certain Western politicians is doomed to failure(2021-06-23)
· Ambassador Zheng Zeguang: The CPC and the Chinese people have made splendid achievements in the past 100 years(2021-06-23)
Ambassador Zheng Zeguang Published a Signed Article Titled “Taiwan is a Touchstone” on The Guardian
2022-08-16 22:25

On 16th August, Ambassador Zheng Zeguang published a signed article titled “Taiwan is a Touchstone” on the Guardian, one of the mainstream media in the UK. In the article, Ambassador Zheng elaborated on China’s solemn position on Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan and China-UK relations. He emphasized that opposing “Taiwan independence” is meant to avoid war, and foiling the attempts seeking “Taiwan Independence” helps safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan strait. China urges the US to stop playing the “Taiwan card” and not to go further down the path of creating crisis. The Taiwan question is a major issue of principle. There is no reason for the UK to disregard that fact and follow in the footsteps of the US. Abiding by the one-China principle is the only way to ensure the smooth development of the China-UK relations. The full text is as follows:

Over the past weeks, the world has seen the resolute response from China after the visit to Taiwan of US House speaker Nancy Pelosi. Some people have asked why this is necessary. To understand, one needs to learn some history.

Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China’s territory since ancient times. Throughout history, the island has been twice lost and regained. During the colonial expansion of western countries, it was occupied by the Dutch for 38 years before it was recovered in 1662 by Chinese national hero Zheng Chenggong. When imperial powers were carving up the world among themselves, Taiwan was subjected to Japanese occupation for 50 years. The Cairo declaration of 1943 and the Potsdam proclamation of 1945 made it clear that Taiwan should be returned to China.

Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have been caught up in prolonged political antagonism since 1949 as a result of the Chinese civil war, China has never been divided, the island has remained part of China’s territory, and the historical and legal fact that the two sides of the Strait belong to the one and same China has never changed. The Chinese people will firmly safeguard, at any cost, their national sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Taiwan independence” means war and will lead to a dead end. Opposing and defeating such attempts is meant to avoid war and safeguard peace and stability in the region.

That is why China strongly opposed and had been repeatedly warning against the provocative visit of the US House speaker, a move that seriously infringed upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Over the years, the US has been playing the “Taiwan card” to contain China by approving arms sales to the island, upgrading its relations with the authorities there and hollowing out the one-China principle. The authorities on the island, led by the Democratic Progressive party, have refused to recognise the 1992 consensus that embodies the one-China principle. They have gone all out to advance “de-sinicisation” and promote “incremental independence”.

Against such provocation, it is only natural that China takes necessary measures in response. These measures are aimed at opposing interference from the US in China’s internal affairs, restraining the separatist attempts of “Taiwan independence” forces, safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The US side and “Taiwan independence” separatist forces must bear full responsibility for their wrongdoings. Some people may say that by suspending cooperation with the US in certain areas, China is “punishing the world”. But China will continue to stand by its commitments to the international community on issues such as climate change. China has the best record of fulfilling its pledges to the world.

The right way for China and the US, two major countries, to handle their relations is to respect each other and avoid confrontation. China has made enormous efforts to promote the healthy and steady development of China-US relations, but we will never sit by and do nothing in response to provocative moves that undermine our core interests. The right thing for the US to do is to acknowledge the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiques: stop playing the “Taiwan card”; sever any official ties and military cooperation with the island; and stop creating further crises.

The Taiwan issue has always been a sensitive matter at the centre of relations between China and the UK. Our countries began to explore diplomatic ties in the early 1950s, but it was not until 1972 that the relationship was upgraded to the ambassadorial level, with the signing of a joint communique. Full diplomatic relations had to wait until the UK clearly recognised the Chinese government’s position that Taiwan is a province of the People’s Republic of China, decided to revoke its official representative office on the island, recognised the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and promised to maintain only an unofficial relationship with Taiwan. This history must never be forgotten and pledges should be honoured.

The Taiwan question is a major issue of principle. There is no reason for the UK to disregard that fact and follow in the footsteps of the US. Calls to “help Taiwan defend itself” and the like are extremely irresponsible and detrimental. Any move that violates the one-China principle and the provisions of the joint communique, or crosses the red line of the Chinese side, will bring serious consequences to bilateral relations. There should not be any miscalculation on this.

Over the past 50 years, the exchanges and cooperation between China and the UK have brought enormous benefits to the peoples of both countries. These hard-won outcomes must be cherished. China-UK relations are now at an important juncture. The Conservative party will soon elect a new leader and the country will have a new prime minister. The trajectory of Britain’s policy on China is being followed closely from all quarters. Around the world, daunting challenges, such as the lingering pandemic, the economic downturn, energy shortages and the climate crisis, remain.

Under such circumstances, China and the UK should strengthen rather than weaken their cooperation. The two sides should follow the principles of mutual respect, equality and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, engage in dialogue and cooperation, and join hands to address common challenges. This is the right choice, one that conforms to the fundamental interests of the peoples of both countries.

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