The One China Policy was declared by the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, following the Chinese Civil War. The policy was created to promote diplomatic relations and maintain peace between the PRC and the world, particularly Taiwan, as well as to reunify the mainland with Taiwan and the other islands of the former Republic of China (ROC).
Prior to 1949, the Republic of China, then led by the Kuomintang (KMT), held authority over the mainland and the other islands of the ROC, while the Communist Party of China (CPC) had control over some limited areas in northern China. In 1949, however, the CPC’s victory against the KMT brought about a major political change in China and Taiwan, giving the CPC control over mainland and turning it into the PRC.
The One China Policy was put in place by the PRC shortly after. This new policy focused on the unification of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait disputes between Beijing and Taipei. The official declaration of the One China Policy came on October 1, 1949 with the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China, which established the principle that China should be under one government.
The main points of the policy included the recognition of Taiwan as a part of the PRC and the observance of the “one country, two systems” principle. The policy also promised that Beijing would continue to recognize the right of Taiwan to exercise self-governance and autonomy, while calling on both sides to maintain economic, cultural, and educational exchanges.
The One China Policy was a historical milestone that shaped the international relations of East Asia and influenced the development of global politics. The policy became the cornerstone of bilateral relations between the PRC and most of its allies, and provided a framework for discussions between Beijing and Taipei. As such, it has been widely accepted by both China and the international community.
Today, the One China Policy is still in place and is considered a guiding principle of cross-strait relations. It is supported by the so-called “1992 Consensus”, which outlines the agreement between Chinese leaders from both sides of the Taiwan Strait by recognizing “one China” with different interpretations.
Although the One China Policy has changed and evolved with the changing international environment, it remains an important tool for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to peacefully coexist and promote closer ties based on mutual understanding and cooperation.