Beijing publishes white paper on Taiwan
Beijing published a white paper on Taiwan on Wednesday, reiterating that Taiwan is part of China and demonstrating the commitment of the Communist Party and the Chinese people to reunification. According to the document released by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the State Council Information Office, Taiwan has belonged to China since ancient times and the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 encapsulates the one-China principle, which is acknowledged worldwide and consistent with the basic norms of international relations. "We are one China, and Taiwan is part of China. This is an indisputable fact supported by history and the law. Taiwan has never been a state; its status as part of China is unalterable," the white paper said. The document also said the Communist Party is committed to the historic mission of resolving the Taiwan question and achieving reunification. It said the Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan raised cross-strait tensions, threatening peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The white paper added that external factors instigated provocative actions by separatist forces. The white paper said given the distinct social systems in the mainland and Taiwan, the One Country, Two Systems principle is the best approach towards peaceful reunification. In a statement, Chief Executive John Lee said he welcomed and supported the release of the white paper, which clearly illustrated the central government's determination towards reunification. Lee also said One Country, Two Systems has been successfully implemented in Hong Kong, but certain political forces in Taiwan have smeared the principle and advocated Taiwan independence. The chief executive reiterated that the SAR government resolutely safeguards the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and fully supports the relevant central government policies. Chief Secretary Eric Chan, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and a number of ministers issued similar statements in support of the white paper. (Additional reporting by Xinhua)