新华社钟台文：台湾问题的由来和性质

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that the Taiwan issue is an internal matter of China, rooted in historical events and the struggle for national rejuvenation, and it asserts that Taiwan will ultimately be resolved as part of China's great revival [1][4][8]. Historical Context - Taiwan has historically belonged to China, with archaeological evidence showing that its indigenous people migrated from the mainland. The earliest records date back to 230 AD, and various Chinese dynasties established administrative control over Taiwan [2][3]. - The Qing Dynasty officially incorporated Taiwan as its 20th province in 1885, marking its development as a prosperous region under Chinese governance [2][3]. Japanese Occupation and Recovery - Taiwan was ceded to Japan through the unequal Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. The Chinese resistance against Japanese occupation culminated in the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, leading to Taiwan's recovery in 1945 [3][4]. - The Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Declaration reaffirmed the return of Taiwan to China after Japan's defeat in World War II, solidifying its status as part of Chinese territory [3][4]. Political Dynamics - The Taiwan issue arose from the internal strife of the Chinese Civil War and foreign interference, particularly from the United States, which supported the Kuomintang after their retreat to Taiwan in 1949 [4][5]. - Despite the political division, the sovereignty of China over Taiwan has remained unchanged, with the People's Republic of China recognized as the sole legitimate government representing all of China, including Taiwan [5][6]. One China Principle - The One China principle is a fundamental tenet of international relations, with the United Nations recognizing the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China, thereby excluding any notion of Taiwanese independence [6][7]. - A consensus known as the "1992 Consensus" was reached, affirming that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, which is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in cross-strait relations [7][8]. Future Outlook - The article posits that the Taiwan issue will be resolved by the Chinese people themselves, as both sides share common cultural and historical ties. The ongoing efforts towards national rejuvenation will facilitate the eventual reunification of Taiwan with the mainland [7][8]. - The article concludes that the resolution of the Taiwan issue is inevitable and aligns with the broader goals of national unity and the revival of the Chinese nation [8].