Recently, the world's attention has been focused on the East. At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, US President Donald Trump paid a state visit to China from May 13 to 15. These two major events have once again brought global focus to an important issue -- the Taiwan issue.
I. The Historical Trend of Ethnic Unity and Reunification of the Chinese Nation is Irresistible
In the vibrant spring season of April, the historic meeting between President Xi and Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang Party (KMT), sent a powerful note for the unity and reunification of the Chinese nation. President Xi noted that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the Chinese nation. It is together -- the Chinese people of all ethnic groups including Taiwan compatriots -- that have built a unified multi-ethnic country, jointly written the splendid history of China, created the brilliant Chinese civilisation, and forged the shared belief that the territory cannot be divided, the country cannot be destabilised, the nation cannot be separated, and the civilisation cannot be interrupted.
During the meeting, President Xi put forward a four-point proposal for advancing cross-Strait relations: first, to forge closer bonds across the Strait by upholding a correct understanding of identity; second, to safeguard the shared homeland through peaceful development; third, to foster the well-being of the people through exchanges and integration; and fourth, to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through joint efforts. He stressed that no matter how the international landscape or situation across the Strait may evolve, the overarching trend towards the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will not change, and the prevailing momentum for the Chinese on both sides of the Strait to come together will not change. On the basis of the common political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence", we stand ready to work with all political parties in Taiwan, as well as groups and people from all sectors, to strengthen exchanges and dialogue, promote peace across the Strait, pursue the well-being of the people, and strive for national rejuvenation -- holding the future of cross-Strait relations firmly in the hands of the Chinese people.
II. The Taiwan Question is the Bedrock of the Political Foundation of China-US Relations
The Taiwan question was an important topic taken up at latest China-US Summit in Beijing. In a briefing to the press following the meeting, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs, stated that China reiterated three fundamental positions. First, the Taiwan question is China's internal affair, and realising complete reunification is an aspiration shared by all sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. Second, the Taiwan question is the most important issue between China and the US. If it is not handled properly, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, and the entire relationship will be in great jeopardy. Third, China and the US both agree on the vital importance of safeguarding cross-Strait peace and stability. To ensure this is the case, one must never indulge or support "Taiwan independence". The US side, like the rest of the international community, does not agree with or accept Taiwan's moving towards independence. After returning to the United States, President Trump also expressed that the US side does not wish to go to war over Taiwan. This fully demonstrates that the One-China principle is a global consensus. Any attempt to split China not only finds scant support but also runs counter to the mainstream expectations of the international community.
III. The One-China Principle is an Unchallengeable Iron Law and the Solid Cornerstone of China-Thailand Friendship
Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China's sacred territory since ancient times. From the Cairo Declaration to the Potsdam Proclamation, a series of documents with international legal effect explicitly stipulate that Taiwan shall be restored to China. Furthermore, United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 adopted in 1971 affirmed the One-China principle by an overwhelming majority. In official UN documents, Taiwan is consistently referred to as "Taiwan, Province of China".
"China and Thailand are as close as one family." The two countries have weathered half a century of trials and tribulations. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, successive Thai governments have steadfastly adhered to the One-China policy. In the joint statement issued by the governments of China and Thailand in 2025, Thailand firmly upholds the One-China Policy, recognising the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, and will not support any call for the independence of Taiwan.We highly commend the Thai side for its position in upholding the One-China principle. Facts have proven that adhering to the One-China principle not only safeguards international fairness and justice but also lays a solid foundation for the robust growth of China-Thailand relations.
IV. An Appeal to All Sectors of Thai Society to Uphold the One-China Principle and Support China's Reunification
It is a fact that the mainland and Taiwan both belong to the Chinese nation dating back to ancient times. This represents the true status quo across the Taiwan Strait. "Taiwan independence" is as incompatible with the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait as fire with water. To maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, one must unequivocally oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. The Chinese side firmly believes Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have the wisdom and ability to resolve their own affairs. It is our hope to appeal to people of insight from all sectors of Thai society and to the overseas Chinese community in Thailand to join in solidarity.
First, jointly speak in one voice to support the One-China principle. Uphold an objective and just position and fully understand that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair which brooks no external interference. Firmly support the Chinese government's stance on the Taiwan question, and resolutely oppose remarks or actions indulging or supporting "Taiwan independence".
Second, jointly oppose secession. Upholding firmly the One-China principle means safeguarding the bottom line of international justice and the basic norms governing international relations, defending peace, prosperity and stability across the Taiwan Strait and supporting a more stable and prosperous future for the Asia-Pacific region.
Third, jointly witness and support the complete reunification of China. Make steadfast promotion and active contribution to the great cause of China's reunification. No matter how turbulent the clouds and winds may be, China must be and will inevitably be reunified.
Zhang Jianwei is Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand.
