The People's Republic of China

The Chinese Communist Party (CPC) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) is the main actor in cross-strait affairs.  The CPC gradually evolved its strategy toward Taiwan and ultimately crafted the "One China Principle" (一个中国的原则).  The Chinese Principle is a political formula containing the process, such as people-to-people exchanges and economic integration, as well as the final outcome of reunification, namely the implementation of a modified version of the  One country, two systems.  This system demotes Taiwan to a special administrative region (SAR).  The formula contains the means of reunification: through peace or force, with an emphasis on the former.  The use of force is formalized in the 2005 Anti-secession law.  Within the agreed upon framework of the 1992 Consensus, the CPC and the KMT cooperated to build robust cross-strait ties.  On the economic plane, the two parties signed 23 agreements.  It resulted in the economy of Taiwan becoming more dependent on a single market, the mainland’s.  On the political plane, for the first time the leaders on both sides of the Strait met in 2015 in Singapore, which set the precedent for future high-level political talks.  With the election of President Tsai Ing-wen of the opposition party DPP, however, the Cross-Strait relationship is entering in to a new phase best characterized as a "cold peace".  President Tsai refuses to publicly say the phrase 1992 Consensus, which the CPC insists is necessary in order for the two parties to cooperate. For the PRC, it represents the "One China Principle". In retaliation for shifting away from the trajectory of the KMT’s cross-strait policies, the CPC has taken measures to cut cross-strait economic ties and limit people-to-people exchanges; it also has demonstrated its willingness to counter Taiwan's diplomatic activities and block its international space and engage in "military exercises with political messages".

Country Profile

People's Republic of China (PRC)

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PRC Constitution and Related Laws

• Constitution (as revised) (2012)​

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• ​Constitution (as amended) (2004)

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• ​Constitution (first adopted) (1982)​

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• ​Plan for the Consultative Election of Deputies of Taiwan Province to the Eleventh National People’s Congress (2007)

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• Anti-Secession Law (Full Text) (2005)
  

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• Organic Law of the Local People's Congresses and Local People's Governments of the People's Republic of China (1979)

PRC Administrative Laws

• Law of the PRC on National Defense (1997)
  

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• ​Law of the PRC on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone (1992)

PRC Economic Laws

• Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Investment of Taiwan Compatriots (1994)

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PRC-U.S. Communiques and Related Statements

• U.S.-PRC Joint Communiqué (1982)

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• Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the U.S. and the P.R.C. (1979)
  

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• Sino-US Joint Communiqué (The Shanghai Communiqué) (1972)

• China calls on US to handle Taiwan issues in prudent, proper way (2010)

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• PRC Statement on the Communiqué (1982)
  

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• Joint Statement Following Discussions With Leaders of the People's Republic of China (1972)

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​The most important issue is the reunification of the Motherland.

​Deng Xiaoping, 1983 
 “An Idea for the Peaceful
Reunification of the
​Chinese Mainland and Taiwan"

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PRC One China Principle

• ​​U.S. reaffirms commitment to one-China policy (2010) 
  

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• Obama reiterates one-China policy (2009)

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• Four-point guidelines on cross-Straits relations set forth by President Hu (Full text) (2008)

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• Bush reiterates one-China policy (2006) 

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• Anti-Secession Law adopted by NPC (full text) (2005)

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• Four-point guidelines on cross-Straits relations set forth by President Hu (Full text) (2005)

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• Origin of the One-China Principle (2001)

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• The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue (2000)

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• China-US Joint Statement (1997)

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• Jiang Zemin's Eight-point Proposal for the Development of the Cross-Straits Relations and the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification (1995)

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• White Paper on "The Taiwan Question and Reunification of China" (1993)
  

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• Beijing and Taipei Agree to Disagree on "One China" (1992)​

• Deng Xiaoping’s Six Conceptions for the Peaceful Reunification (1983)

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• Deng Xiaoping “An Idea for the Peaceful Reunification of the Chinese Mainland and Taiwan" (1983)

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• Constitution of the People's Republic of China (1982)

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• PRC Statement on the 1982 Communiqué (1982)

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• Sino-US Joint Communiqué (1982)

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• Ye Jianying on Taiwan's Return to Motherland and Peaceful Reunification (1981)

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• 1979 Joint Communique and the One-China Principle (1979)

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• U.S.-PRC Joint Communique (1979)

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• Message to Compatriots in Taiwan (1979)

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• Sino-US Joint Communiqué (The Shanghai Communiqué) (1972)

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PRC One Country, Two Systems

• Let Us Join Hands to Promote the Peaceful Development of Cross-Straits Relations and Strive with a United Resolve for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation (2008)

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• Full text of explanations on draft Anti-Secession Law (2005)

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• Wen: Mainland never allows Taiwan separation (2004)

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• China to Seek Peaceful Reunification Through 'One Country, Two Systems' (2003)

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• 'One Country, Two Systems' and Complete National Reunification (excerpts from Jiang Zemin's 16th Party Congress Report) (2002)

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• Full Text of Jiang Zemin's Report at 16th Party Congress (2002)

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• Jiang Zemin's Report at the 15th National Congress of the Communist Party of  China (1997)

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• Jiang Zemin - “Continue to Promote the Reunification of the Motherland” (1995)

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• Hong Kong Basic Law – Major Provisions (One Country, Two Systems Model) (1990)

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• Deng Xiaoping “One Country, Two Systems” (1984)

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• Deng Yingchao to Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (1983)
  

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• Constitution of the People's Republic of China, Article 31 (1982)
  

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• Chairman Ye Jianying's Elaborations on Policy Concerning Return of Taiwan to Motherland and Peaceful Reunification (1981)  ​​

PRC National Security Law

• National Security Law of the People's Republic of China (2015)

PRC Anti-Secession Law

• President Hu Guidelines for Taiwan (2005)

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• Anti-Secession Law (Full Text) (2005)

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• Draft Anti-Secession Law Explained to NPC (2005)

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• Full text of explanations on draft Anti-Secession Law (2005)

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• China clarifies conditions for non-peaceful means to stop secession​ (2005)

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For additional information, see Anti-Secession Law, One China, and One Country, Two Systems.

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PRC Additional Taiwan Measures

• Some Measures for Promoting Cross-Strait Economic and Cultural Exchange Cooperation (31 Measures) (February 28, 2018) 

• Measures for Administration of Chinese Citizens Traveling to or from the Region of Taiwan (July 10, 2015)

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• ​Measures on Reporting by Taiwan Journalists in the Mainland of China (November 1, 2008)

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• Provisions on Taiwan Journalists Coming to the Mainland of China for Reporting (1996 (promulgated); 2002 (revised)

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• Provisions of the People’s Court’s Recognition of the Verdicts of Civil Cases made by Courts of Taiwan Province (1998)

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• Statute Governing Relations between People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (1992)
  

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• Regulations on the Administration of Agent Business For Cross-stralts Cargo Shipping (nd)

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PRC White Papers

Security

• China's Policies on Asia-Pacific Security Cooperation (January 11, 2017)

Defense

• China's Military Strategy (2015)

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• Diversified Employment of China's Armed Forces (2013)

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• China's National Defense in 2010 (2011)

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• China's National Defense in 2008 (2009)
  

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• ​China's National Defense in 2006 (2006)

• China's National Defense (2004)

• China's National Defense (2002)

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• ​China's National Defense (2000)

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• China's National Defense (1998)

Human Rights

• Progress in China's Human Rights in 2009​ (2010)
  

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• China's Progress in Human Rights in 2004 (2005)
  

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• Progress in China's Human Rights Cause in 2003 (2004)

• Progress in China's Human Rights Causes in 2000 (2001)

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• Progress in China's Human Rights Causes in 1996 (1997) 

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• Progress on Human Rights (1995) ​​

Law & Politics

• Rule of Law (2008)
  

• ​China's Political Party System (2007)
  

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• Building of Political Democracy (2005)​​​​

Taiwan

• China Policy on the 'Three Direct Links' Across the Taiwan Straits (2003)
  

• ​China's National Defense (2000)
  

• The One China Principle and the Taiwan Issue (2000)   ​​
  

• The Taiwan Question and the Reunification of China (1993)

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PRC Government Work Reports

• ​Xi Jinping: Report at 19th CPC National Congress (2017)

• Li Keqiang: Report on the Work of the Government (2017)
  

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• Li Keqiang: Report on the Work of the Government  (2016)

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• ​Wen Jiabao: Report on the Work of the Government (2012)

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• ​Hu Jintao: Report at 17th Party Congress (Full Text) (2011)

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• Wen Jiabao: Report on the Work of the Government (2011)

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• Wen Jiabao: Report on the Work of the Government (2004)

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PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (July 19, 2018)
  
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (June 5, 2018)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference (May 18, 2018)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (May 11, 2018)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (May 3, 2018)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (May 2, 2018)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (March 21, 2018)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference (March 16, 2018)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (February 9, 2018)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference (January 11, 2018)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (December 19, 2017)
• ​Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference (December 14, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference (December 11, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference (November 21, 2017)​
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (November 17, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (November 14, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (November 13, 2017)
• ​Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (October 13, 2017)
• Forge Ahead under the Guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping's Thought on Diplomacy (September 01, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference (July 17, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (July 14, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (July 13, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang's Regular Press Conference (June 27, 2017)
• T​he Relevant Consensus of the First Round of China-U.S. Diplomatic and Security Dialogue (June 24, 2017)
• ​Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (June 21, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (June 07, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (May 23,2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (May 22,2017​)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (May 17, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (May 09, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (May 08, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Remarks on the Taiwan Related Affairs at the Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting (May 04, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (May 03, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference (April 25, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference (March 27, 2017)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Remarks on US President-elect Trump's Phone Call with Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen (December 03, 2016)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference  (November 25, 2016) ​

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PRC Speeches, Statements & Interviews

• Full text of mainland's Taiwan affairs authorities' statement on cross-Straits relations (May 20, 2016)
• More measures for cross-Strait economic ties: premier (March 16, 2016)
• Wang Yi: Taiwan Issue Is the Core Issue Affecting China-US Relations (January 17, 2016)
• Promote cross-Straits ties in line with law (March 25, 2015)
• Chinese mainland reiterates no interference in Taiwan election (2015)
• Xi calls on building community of shared destiny across Taiwan Strait (2015)
• Chinese mainland removes entry permit requirements for Taiwan residents (2015)
• Chinese president holds talks with Taiwan's KMT leader (2015)
• Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President Barack Obama (2014)
• Xi meets KMT's Lien, stresses cross-Strait ties (2013)
• Xi calls for cross-Strait cooperation in realizing "Chinese dream" (2013) 
• Xi meets with KMT honorary chairman, calling nat'l rejuvenation a "common goal" (2013)
• Hu Jintao meets visiting KMT chairman (2009)
• China opposes U.S. commitment to Taiwan Relations Act (2009)
• President Hu Offers Six Proposals for Peaceful Development of Cross-Strait Relationship (2008)
• Hu suggest military security trust mechanism, peace agreement with Taiwan (2008)
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu's Remarks on the US DoD Report on Chinese Military Power (2007)
• Hu raises suggestions on development of cross-Straits relations (2006)
• China "open" to military exchanges with US (2006)
• President Hu sets forth guidelines on Taiwan (2005)
• US, Japan meddling in China's internal affair (2005)
• Opposition to "Taiwan independence" in interests of China, US: President Hu (2004)
• Chinese, US presidents discuss trade, Taiwan issue (2004)
• US military should end deployment (2004)
• US exercises test of new strategy (2004)
• China will never tolerate Taiwan independence: Jiang Zemin (2004)
• US report on China's military forces "ill-motivated" (2004)
• Spokesman: Chen a threat to Straits peace (2004)
• President Bush's Meeting with President Hu in France (2003) ​
• Russian-Chinese Joint Declaration (2002)
• Bush-Jiang Summit in Crawford (2002)
• Bush-Jiang Press Conference in Beijing (2002)
• China Condemns U.S. Congressional Acts on Military Cooperation With Taiwan (2002)
• Jiang on Taiwan Straits (nd)
• President Jiang on Taiwan Issue and International Situation (2001)
• Jiang: Chinese President Gives New Years Address (2001)
• Jiang: Solving Taiwan Issue Conforms to Popular Sentiments (2001)
• CPC Sincerely Wishes to Make a Peaceful National Reunification Miracle (2001)
• Premier Zhu Firm on Taiwan Issue (nd)
• ​Statement by China's NPC Foreign Affairs Committee on U.S. Administration's Endorsement of "Foreign Operations Appropriation Act for Financial Year 2001 (2000)
• ​​NPC Foreign Affairs Committee Bashes U.S. Anti-China Act (2000)
• Presidents Clinton and Jiang at APEC Meeting (1999)
• NPC on U.S. Congress Moves Concerning Taiwan Issue (1999)
• Chinese NPC Foreign Affairs Committee Condemns U.S. Congressional Bill (1999)
• Clinton-Jiang Summit in Beijing (1998)
• China-US Joint Statement (1997)
• Continue to Promote the Reunification of the Motherland (1995)
• PRC Premier Li Peng Warns Taiwan (1993)
• Beijing and Taipei Agree to Disagree on "One China" (1992)
• ​Deng Xiaoping “One Country, Two Systems” (1984)
• ​Deng Xiaoping “An Idea for the Peaceful Reunification of the Chinese Mainland and Taiwan (1983)
• Deng Yingchao to Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (1983)
• ​Chairman Ye Jianying's Elaborations on Policy Concerning Return of Taiwan to Motherland and Peaceful Reunification (1981)The Present Situation and the Tasks Before Us – Deng Xiaoping (1980)
• Message to Compatriots in Taiwan (1979)
• Mao on the Use of Force (Excerpt) (1973)
• Edgar Snow: Interview with Mao (1965)
• Mao Interview Concerning the US and Taiwan (1959)
• Second Message to Compatriots in Taiwan - PRC Defense Minister P'eng Teh-huai (1958)
• PRC's Declaration on the Territorial Sea (1958)​
• PRC Foreign Minister Chou En-lai's Statement on the U.S. Proposal of the Japanese Peace Treaty (1951)
• PRC Foreign Minister Chou Enlai's Statement Refuting Truman's Statements of June 27, 1950, and June 28, 1950 (1950)

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PRC Opposition to U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan

• Chinese defense ministry opposes U.S. arms sale to Taiwan (2015)
• Mainland reaffirms opposition to U.S.-Taiwan arms sales (2013)
• China, U.S. to discuss currency, arms sale during Asia-Pacific talks (2011)
• Speech by H.E. Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, at the Luncheon Hosted by the National Committee on US-China Relations and the US-China Business Council (2011)
• Chinese mainland: military threat to Taiwan "inconsistent with the facts" (2011)
• Chinese FM urges U.S. to revoke arms sales to Taiwan (2011)
• U.S. arms sale to Taiwan will disrupt military exchanges, joint drills (2011)
• China says U.S. arms sale to Taiwan creates "severe obstacles" for bilateral military exchanges (2011)
• Xinhua: U.S. arms sales to Taiwan harm cross-Strait ties (2011)
• China voices strong indignation to new U.S. arms sales to Taiwan (2011)
• Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun Lodges a Strong Protest Against the U.S. Government's Announcement of Planned Arms Sales to Taiwan (2011)
• Responding to Pentagon report, China stresses cross-Strait peaceful development (2010)
• China reaffirms opposition to arms sales to Taiwan (2010)
• U.S. arms sales to Taiwan detrimental to Sino-U.S. relations​ (2010)
• China again reaffirms resolute opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan​ (2010)
• China denounces U.S. arms sales to Taiwan (2010)
• China renews warning on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan (2010)
• China lodges solemn representations over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan (2010)
• China reaffirms opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan (2009)
• US urged to stop arms sale to Taiwan (2006)
• China firmly opposes US arms sale to Taiwan (2005)
• China will never tolerate Taiwan independence: Jiang Zemin (2004)
• Chinese, US presidents discuss trade, Taiwan issue (2004)
• United States can't be trusted on Taiwan (2004)
• China makes solemn representation to US over anti-China items in US Defense Bill (2004)
• US report on China's military forces "ill-motivated" (2004)
• Enhanced Mutual Understanding and Trust Towards a Constructive and Cooperative Relationship Between China and the United (2002)
• ​China Condemns U.S. Congressional Acts on Military Cooperation With Taiwan (2002)
• China Urges U.S. to Stop Arms Sales to Taiwan (2002)
• President Jiang Zemin Meets the New York Times (2001)
• China Opposes Anti-China U.S. Defense Act​ (2001)
• China Opposed to U.S. Sales of "Maverick" Missiles to Taiwan (2001)
• FM Spokesperson on President Bush's remarks on US arms sale to Taiwan (2001)
• China Strongly Protests U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan (2001)
• Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan on U.S. Arms Sale to Taiwan​ (2001)
• Statement by China's NPC Foreign Affairs Committee on U.S. Administration's Endorsement of "Foreign Operations Appropriation Act for Financial Year 2001 (2000)
• ​​NPC Foreign Affairs Committee Bashes U.S. Anti-China Act (2000)
• China Opposes Including Taiwan In TMD​ (1999)
• ​NPC Foreign Affairs Committee on U.S. Congress Moves Concerning Taiwan Issue (1999)

​For additional information, see "U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan"

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PRC P-5 Seat in the United Nations

• Speech by H.E. State Councilor Yang Jiechi At the Reception for the 45th Anniversary of the Restoration of The Lawful Seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations (October 26, 2016)

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• Struggle to restore China's lawful seat in the United Nations (no date)

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• Restoration of the Lawful Rights of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations (1971)

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PRC Opposition to Taiwan's International Participation

United Nations Formal Statements and Letters

• Statement by Ambassador Wang Guangya at the General Committee of the 62nd GA Session (2007)
• H.E. Ambassador Wang Guangya's Letter to UN Secretary General H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon (2007)
• Letter from Ambassador Zhang Yishan to Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the So-called "Question of the Representation of Taiwan in the United Nations" (2004)
• Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN Wang Guangya's Statement at the 58th session of the General Committee of the UN General Assembly (2003)
• Chinese Ambassador Refutes Attempts to Split China (1997)

Other Statements 

• Spokesman: Cross-Straits relations at a crucial point (2008)
• Chinese mainland returns letters postmarked "Taiwan's entry into UN" to Taiwan (2007)
• Mainland to take necessary measures against "Taiwan independence" (2007)
• Chinese mainland spokesman: Chen Shui-bian must shoulder "all serious consequences" of his secessionist activities (2007)
• Chinese mainland official slams "referendum" promoted by Taiwan separatists (2007)
• Mainland official condemns Taiwan separatist activities (2007)
• UN rejects Taiwan's membership bid (2007)
• Taiwan's attempt to get into UN a "dangerous" step (2006)
• UN refuses to consider Taiwan's representation (2004)
• Taiwan's attempt to split China foiled in UN 59th General Assembly session (2004)
• Why is Taiwan ineligible for "participation in the United Nations"?
• China Sees UN Decision on Taiwan a Victory for Justice (2002)
• FM Spokesman on UN Rejection of Taiwan's Participation Motion (2001)

World Health Organization (WHO)

• Spokesman: Mainland has "positive attitude" on Taiwan involvement in WHO (2008)
• Chinese mainland official slams Taiwan authorities' attempt to join WHO (2007)
• Taiwan's bid to join WHO rejected (2006)
• Minister He Yafei: Taiwan Has No Qualification to Participate in WHO (2002)
• ​Statement of Chinese NPC Foreign Affairs Committee Opposing U.S. Support of Taiwan's Attempt to Participate in WHO
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• Statement of NPC Foreign Affairs Committee Opposing U.S. Senate Committee Resolution on Taiwan's Access into WHO (1999)

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

• Mainland to consider all-around opinions on Taiwan's identity in AIIB (2015)

Organization of American States (OAS)

• China reiterates objection to Taiwan observer status in OAS (2004)

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PRC-Japan Relations

• Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and the People's Republic of China (August 12, 1978)

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• Joint Communiqué of the Government of Japan and the Government of the People's Republic of China September 29, 1972

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PRC South China Sea Position

​See: South China Sea

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PRC East China Sea Position

See: East China Sea

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PRC Nuclear Forces

See: Military Balance

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