Question: What is the one-China principle?

Spokesperson: The core of the one-China principle is: There is but one China in the world. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.

In October 1971, the Twenty-sixth United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, expelling the representatives of the Taiwan authorities and restoring the seat and all lawful rights of the Government of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations. The one-China principle has since become the consensus of the international community and a basic norm governing international relations. It is the political foundation on which China has established diplomatic relationships with 181 countries. 

Safeguarding national unity and territorial integrity is the sacred right of each and every sovereign state and a basic principle of international law. The one-China principle has emerged from China's just cause to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and the development of its normal diplomatic relations with foreign countries. Therefore, its basis, both de facto and de jure, is unshakable. China will continue to develop friendly and cooperative relations with all countries on the basis of the one-China principle.