On Feb 8th, Freeman Newspaper published the Letter to the Editor by Consul General Zhang Zhen, which refutes the erroneous remarks on the Taiwan Question in Freeman Opinion editorial article on Jan 23th . Here is the full text:

The one-China principle is a red line and bottom line

Recently, the Freeman Opinion published an editorial commenting Taiwan-related issues, which is truly shocking. The logic and resoaning of the editor is totally out of order, and it shows total ignorance of China's history as well as the basic international norms.

The editorial seriously violated One-China principle and provoked China’s bottom line disregarding long-standing position of the Philippine government. The Consulate General of P.R.China in Cebu strongly condemn and resolutely oppose to the erroneous remarks.

There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. This is a historical and legal fact, and a common understanding of the international community. All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honor their commitments to One-China policy, which is also the Philippine government’s official standing.

The Philippines’ President Marcos Jr. on Jan. 23 night in an interview reaffirmed the Philippines commitment to the one-China policy, and emphasized that Taiwan is a province of China and the Philippines does not endorse “Taiwan independence.” Maybe the editor or the manipulator behind did not expect this followup?

The editorial stated “Taiwan is also a sovereign nation on its own and it can also do as it damn well pleases. ”  Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. This is an indisputable fact supported by history and the law. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Straits have not achieved complete reunification, China's sovereignty and territorial integrity have never been separated, and cannot be separated.

As a great achievement of the World Anti-Fascist War, the Cairo Declaration of 1943 clearly stipulates that the territories Japan stole from China, such as Taiwan and other islands, should be returned to China, confirming that Taiwan is Chinese territory. The Potsdam Proclamation of 1945 states, "The terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out." In September 1945, Japan signed the surrender terms, committing to faithfully fulfilling the obligations of the Potsdam Proclamation. The UN Resolution No. 2758 of 1971 states, "Decides to restore all its rights to the People's Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations."

Joint Communique of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on June 9, 1975, states, "The Philippine Government recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, fully understands and respects the position of the Chinese Government that there is but one China and that Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory" and "The two Governments recognize and agree to respect each other's territorial integrity." The Philippines made a solemn commitment in the joint communiqué, and subsequent Philippine governments have adhered to the One-China policy.

The editorial states “we are a sovereign country and we can do as we damn well please. ” But, we all know, a sovereign countries should uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, observe international law and universally recognized norms of international relations. The One-China principle is the political foundation for China to establish and develop diplomatic relations with 183 countries, including the Philippines. It is a recognized international norm and a universally accepted consensus in the international community.

The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests. It concerns China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it concerns the sentiment of the 1.4 billion Chinese people. The one-China principle is a red line and bottom line. China will never accept anyone making provocations on the Taiwan question.

Since taking power in the Taiwan region in 2016, the DPP authorities have clung to their separatist position of seeking “Taiwan independence”. They have been colluding with external forces in successive provocative actions designed to divide the country. Whatever changes take place in Taiwan, the basic fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not change.

We urge Freeman relevant editor to take a correct stance on issues of core interests concerning China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, adhere to the one-China principle, not to provide platform for 'Taiwan independence' forces, and avoid sending wrong messages to the public.