One-China Policy, Admirable

By Kirtan Bhana

24 October 2024
The relationship between China and Taiwan has long been a focal point of international diplomacy, grounded in China's One-China policy, which asserts that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. This policy, reaffirmed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 of 1971, recognizes the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the only legitimate representative of China in the United Nations. Despite this, international political maneuvering and media reports often attempt to stir tensions by focusing on events that aim to challenge China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, as seen in incidents like the opening of Taiwan's representative offices in various countries, including South Africa. These moves, however, are less about substance and more about political gamesmanship, which ignores the firm and patient resolve of both China and its international partners like South Africa.

The One-China Policy and Its Global Endorsement

China’s One-China policy is not merely a domestic stance but one that has been globally endorsed through various international agreements and diplomatic relations. South Africa, since the establishment of diplomatic relations with the PRC in 1998, has consistently supported the One-China policy, recognizing Taiwan as part of China. This position is emblematic of South Africa’s respect for international law, diplomatic protocol, and its commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. The opening of any office in South Africa that claims to represent Taiwan should be seen as a diplomatic irregularity, not as an endorsement of Taiwan's independence.

Yet, certain media outlets and political actors often sensationalize these incidents, presenting them as cracks in China’s international standing. This is not only a mischaracterization of China’s diplomatic relationships but also a disregard for the complex realities of international law and diplomacy. South Africa’s relationship with China has grown over the last quarter of a century into a comprehensive strategic partnership, underscored by mutual respect and shared economic and political goals. Attempts to undermine this relationship through misleading narratives overlook South Africa’s firm adherence to the One-China policy and the benefits it has reaped from its partnership with China.

Moreover, the actions of some individuals in South Africa, aligning with certain foreign countries on this issue, seem to echo the harmful isolationist policies of South Africa's apartheid past. Such actions, whether deliberate or through political opportunism, appear to represent an attempt to reverse South Africa's progress and return it to a state of global isolation, as was the case under the apartheid regime. This backward-looking mentality serves only to destabilize the country's international standing and harks back to a time when South Africa was marginalized by the global community. It is a regressive step, fueled by a minority attempting to undo the diplomatic advancements South Africa has made in the post-apartheid era.

Political Opportunism and Media Sensationalism

The political opportunism that fuels these controversies is often rooted in external interference. Taiwan's status is a matter of internal Chinese governance, yet certain actors, whether foreign governments or media outlets, seek to politicize the issue for their own geopolitical purposes. These narratives can mislead the public into thinking that Taiwan operates as an independent entity recognized by the global community, when in fact it is acknowledged as part of China by the overwhelming majority of countries, including South Africa.

In many cases, the goal of such reporting is not to reflect reality but to sow discord and manipulate public opinion, particularly in countries that maintain strong ties with China. These efforts are surreptitious, leveraging isolated incidents, such as the establishment of Taiwanese offices or unofficial diplomatic visits, to create the appearance of division where none exists. This is a disservice to the diplomatic efforts made by China and its partners and obscures the stability and progress that have been made through mutual cooperation.

China’s Patience and Strategic Vision

While these provocations could easily lead to conflict or diplomatic fallout, China has demonstrated remarkable patience and restraint. Rather than retaliating harshly, China continues to engage diplomatically, focusing on long-term stability and progress. This approach stands in stark contrast to historical examples of territorial disputes, such as the Falklands/Malvinas conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina, or the punitive U.S. embargo against Cuba. China’s strategy with Taiwan is not to isolate or economically strangle the island but to integrate it into the broader Chinese economy and society. The fruits of mainland China's economic rise have benefited Taiwan, illustrating China's commitment to shared prosperity rather than division.

South Africa’s measured response to the presence of a Taiwanese office within its borders is a testament to its adherence to diplomatic norms and international law. Far from representing a breakdown in relations with China, this incident highlights South Africa’s understanding of the complexities of global diplomacy, particularly in navigating pressures from external actors while maintaining its sovereign decision-making. South Africa has, over the past 30 years, matured into a global player that is both democratic and pragmatic, handling its foreign relations with a keen sense of balance and fairness. Its relationship with China reflects this balance, having evolved into a comprehensive partnership that includes economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges.

China's resolve regarding Taiwan is not born out of inflexibility but of a clear, consistent policy that has international legitimacy and the backing of history. Media narratives that attempt to portray China as heavy-handed or South Africa as complicit in diplomatic irregularities fail to capture the depth of these nations' strategic relationship. Both countries have shown patience, resilience, and a long-term vision for their partnership. External interference, whether through political chicanery or media sensationalism, will not undo decades of progress.

The One-China policy remains a cornerstone of international relations, and South Africa, as a partner in China's global vision, continues to honour its commitment to this principle. The strategic partnership between China and South Africa is one of mutual respect, built on shared values and aspirations, and it is poised to grow even stronger in the years to come, irrespective of the noise generated by isolated incidents and external political actors. - TDS