Our office has caught wind that a Fijian media outlet just dropped the scoop on an ad article from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Fiji about Taiwan. We would like to clarify and explain the following:
- The Republic of China (Taiwan), commonly known as Taiwan, is an independent and sovereign nation. It has never been governed by the People's Republic of China (PRC, communist China) nor is it a part of the PRC. Taiwan and the PRC do not subordinate to each other; this is the fact and the current situation across the Taiwan Strait. The PRC government, or Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government, must acknowledge these facts and refrain from coercing other countries into accepting its fabricated "one China principle."
- It's disappointing that UNGA Resolution 2758 (XXVI), passed in 1971, is still misused by the People's Republic of China (PRC) as justification for their "one China principle," aimed at annexing Taiwan. This resolution has been wrongly used to exclude Taiwan from the United Nations, but it does not prevent countries from establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan or take a stance on Taiwan's status. It also doesn't grant the PRC the right to represent Taiwan's people. Only Taiwan's democratically elected government can speak for its 23 million citizens on the global stage.
- China's escalating rhetoric and military intimidation against Taiwan have raised tensions in cross-strait relations and sparked global concern for regional peace. According to our Ministry of National Defense, the PRC conducted 4,032 sorties near Taiwan from January to October 2023, and this trend continues in 2024. The People's Liberation Army of China has intensified provocative actions in and around the Taiwan Strait, including ballistic missile tests and increased military activities in Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone and nearby exercises.
- On January 30, 2024, China unilaterally changed flight routes, altering M503 and introducing two new routes, W122 and W123, across the Taiwan Strait. This violates the 2015 cross-strait agreement and breaches regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), posing aviation safety risks and threatening regional peace. Taiwan's values stem from its people's dedication to national sovereignty and their desire to preserve democracy and freedom. Taiwan remains committed to maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait and resolving differences through dialogue on equal terms. However, it will not yield to China's ongoing attempts at suppression.
- Taiwan's economic success is remarkable, showcasing stability and resilience despite global challenges. Renowned for its expertise in high-tech industries like semiconductors, it dominates the global supply chain, producing 60% of the world's chips and 92% of the most advanced ones. This leadership has propelled Taiwan to the forefront of the global economy, ranking sixth in competitiveness and fourth in economic freedom. With a GDP of $761.69 billion, Taiwan is the world's 21st largest economy. This success has elevated Taiwan's global reputation and positioned it as a hub for smart technology, enhancing its competitiveness worldwide. Taiwan stands as a robust democracy and a leading innovation-driven economy.
- Taiwan is a democratic nation where freedom of speech is cherished, allowing for diverse opinions and normal changes. A poll conducted on November 23, 2023, revealed that 44.3% of Taiwanese citizens prefer maintaining the status quo indefinitely, while 35.8% advocate for maintaining the status quo while moving towards independence. Other preferences include "independence as soon as possible" at 3.8% and "unification as soon as possible" at 11.5%. Overall, most polls indicate that Taiwanese people lean towards maintaining the status quo while hoping for the People's Republic of China to respect Taiwan's democratic system and understand the true value of freedom of speech and expression.
