Zhao Shiren
The writer is the Consul General of China in Lahore.
Not long ago, I shared my perspective on the reunification of mainland China with Taiwan in Pakistani newspapers, illustrating the historical and legal facts that Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China’s territory since ancient times. The full and complete national reunification of China not only meets the common aspiration of the 1.4 billion Chinese people, but also redresses the historical injustice done to the Chinese nation and serves the tide of our times.
There is only one China in the world; Taiwan has been an inseparable part of China, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. This reflects the true status quo of the Taiwan question and constitutes a common-sense understanding widely held by the international community.
The year 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and Taiwan’s return to Motherland China is an integral component of the post-World War II international order.
The one-China principle has henceforth become a fundamental guiding norm in international relations and also serves as the political cornerstone for China to establish, maintain, and develop diplomatic relations with 183 countries, including Pakistan.
However, the United States government recently announced a plan to sell advanced weaponry worth 11.1 billion dollars to Taiwan, which constitutes a serious violation of the one-China principle and undermines the core spirit of the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués, particularly the 17 August Communiqué of 1982. Such U.S. malafide action grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs, jeopardises its sovereignty and national security, undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and sends a very wrong signal to the separatists advocating the so-called “Taiwan independence.”
China has strongly condemned this unacceptable move and lodged stern representations with the U.S. side. China has taken countermeasures against 20 U.S. military-industrial companies and 10 of their senior executives in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People’s Republic of China, demonstrating its firm resolve to curb the “Taiwan independence” adventurism and safeguard its core national interests.
The question of Taiwan is purely China’s internal affair and allows no interference by any external forces.
The U.S. arms sales to Taiwan constitute blatant military support for “Taiwan independence” separatists and represent an attempt to sabotage China’s peaceful reunification. In the 17 August Communiqué between China and the U.S., the U.S. explicitly committed to “gradually reducing its sale of arms to Taiwan, leading, over a period of time, to a final resolution.”
However, for over 40 years, the U.S. has repeatedly breached its pledge—persistently expanding the scale of arms sales to Taiwan and even enhancing the performance of the weapons provided. This double-dealing exposes the U.S.’s intent to sustain its manoeuvres of “using Taiwan to contain China,” which pushes the Taiwan Strait further towards the peril of conflict.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in the Taiwan region, equipped with the purchased U.S. weaponry, turn Taiwan into a “powder keg,” doing great harm to the well-being of the Taiwanese and accelerating the demise of the “Taiwan independence” separatists.
The recently concluded “Justice-Mission-2025” military exercises conducted by the People’s Liberation Army around Taiwan are necessary countermeasures against “Taiwan independence” provocations and external interventions, as well as rightful actions to ensure national sovereignty. The historical trend of mainland China’s reunification with Taiwan will never be stopped by any arms sales or provocations.
China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Both countries have enjoyed a unique and time-tested friendship. Pakistan was one of the earliest countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China. Since establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1951, Pakistan has consistently supported China’s core interests at bilateral and multilateral fora.
The Action Plan to foster an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era (2025–2029), issued in September 2025, states clearly that Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the one-China principle, regards Taiwan as an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China, and resolutely opposes any form of “Taiwan independence.”
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President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz have also emphasised that the Pakistan-China relationship is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
This ironclad brotherhood is rooted in our shared commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and also highlights the strategic and enduring nature of the bilateral relations. China and Pakistan have always supported each other and stood together in solidarity. Such mutual trust has become an anchor of peace and stability in the region.
The Taiwan question stands at the very core of China’s interests. We sincerely appreciate the consistent policy and principled position held by the Pakistani government and people, and their solidarity with China in this regard. China will continue to support Pakistan in its nation-building, national security, independence, and development.
Together, we will advance the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and deepen wide-ranging cooperation to bring more tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
History has shown time and again that any attempt to defy, deter, or derail China is doomed to fail. China’s peaceful development and the great national rejuvenation is an unstoppable journey on the right side of history.
I believe that with the understanding and support of Pakistan and other friendly nations, the wheel of history towards China’s full reunification will crush all obstacles in its path and move forward to a bright future!
