Taiwan is NOT a part of China: Repudiating the "One-China" Myth

The United Nations covenant states: All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. By this principle, the people of Taiwan have the right to determine the future status of their nation. Indeed, the right to decide the future status of Taiwan belongs only to the Taiwanese people. Neither China, nor the citizens of any other nation other than Taiwan have the right to determine the destiny of Taiwan.

The Taiwanese people have endured many years foreign rule. From European colonisation during the imperial age, the occupation of Japan from 1895-1945, and the KMT dictatorship from 1945-1987, the Taiwanese have experienced first-hand the cruel, corrupt nature of dictatorship. For this reason, the Taiwanese believe strongly in self rule. From the cruel hardships they have overcome, they have developed a flourishing and thriving democracy, and a free society that values peace, stability, and human rights.

Despite China's attempt to portray Taiwan as an integral part of its history, the truth is the exact opposite. Since 1895, Taiwan and China have been governed by the same government for only 4 years between 1945-1949. The government at this time was the Chinese Nationalist government, who were assigned to only temporarily occupy Taiwan on behalf of the Allied powers. Regardless, this regime was never approved by the Taiwanese populace. Going further back in history, the Ching Dynasty historically regarded Taiwan outside the scope of imperial China, denying responsibility for any activity on the island when American, Japanese, and French sailors complained about constant piracy. China and Taiwan are two separate nations, with two separate governments, and distinct cultures and languages.

In any case, the opinion polls on Taiwan show that the overwhelming majority of Taiwanese reject the idea of unification. And who can blame them? The culture of the two nations is different, while China remains a totalitarian dictatorship, ruthlessly suppressing political dissent and human rights. A look at China's strict iron rule over Tibet shows the Taiwanese what would happen if China were to annex and occupy Taiwan: the systematic destruction of local culture, the repression of free ideas, the destruction of the democracy that the Taiwanese have worked so hard to build. Free of military threats, the Taiwanese people would overwhelmingly opt to remain distinct, sovereign, and independent from China indefinitely.

The other thing that popular opinion in Taiwan strongly supports is the international recognition of the island democracy. However, European nations along with many of the world's countries have unfortunately chosen to deny Taiwan this recognition, in order to placate China's unreasonable demands. Such recognition denies the Taiwanese a voice in the United Nations, and denies Taiwan crucial access to resources from international organisations such as the World Health Organisation.

At FAPA Europe, we call on all European nations and their leaders to uphold the European values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. If European leaders can recognise the independence of Kosovo, and the right of Kosovars to self-determination, then they must apply the same standards, renouncing the nonsensical "One-China" policy, and fully embracing Taiwan as a member of the international community. They should categorically recognize Taiwan's sovereignty, independence and right to self-determination. We also call on European nations to strongly oppose China's bellicose military threats, that threaten to destabilise peace and stability in East Asia.

Recognition of Taiwan's independent status is the only way to fulfill the United Nations constitution and charter. The right of the Taiwanese to decide their own future is something that all people must respect.

For information regarding FAPA Europe and our activities, please contact:
info [at] fapaeu [dot] org