What is the One China Policy?

What does the One China Policy mean?

According to Wikipedia, the One China Policy is a principle where there is only one China, and mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan all belong to China. Acceptance or rejection of this principle is a crucial factor in relations with the People's Republic of China, which controls mainland China, Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau, and the Republic of China, which controls Taiwan.

This principle requires all countries wishing to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China to recognize this policy and not maintain relations with the Republic of China. Recognizing only one China (although it does not necessarily mean equating "China" with the People's Republic of China) is also a prerequisite that the People's Republic of China sets forth while negotiating with the Republic of China authorities.

Since when does the One China Policy exist?

The One China Policy emerged in 1949, at the end of the civil war in China. The Kuomintang was defeated and retreated to Taiwan, establishing its own government, while the Communist faction declared the establishment of the People's Republic of China on the mainland. Both claimed to represent the entirety of China.

Since then, China has threatened to use force if Taiwan formally declares independence. However, China has also maintained a more flexible diplomatic policy with Taiwan in recent years.

Initially, many countries including the United States recognized Taiwan and distanced themselves from communist China.

But the diplomatic tides changed when China and the United States both sought to develop relations with each other in the early 1970s. Many countries severed ties with Taipei to establish relations with Beijing.

Nevertheless, many countries continue to maintain unofficial relations with Taiwan through trade offices or cultural institutes, and the United States remains Taiwan's most important security ally.

Since 1979, the U.S. has implemented the One China Policy, agreeing to recognize Beijing as the representative of China instead of the government in Taiwan. However, the U.S. often has such arrangements or unofficial relationships with Taiwan that bypass China, such as multi-billion dollar arms deals.

Source: Compilation

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