ISLAMABAD: The Republic of China (Taiwan) has issued a stern condemnationof the recent joint communique signed by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Ministerand Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and China’s Foreign Minister WangYi, which reaffirms the “one China” principle and declares Taiwan as aninalienable part of China’s territory. This statement, emerging from theseventh China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue held inBeijing from January 3 to 5, 2026, has heightened diplomatic tensions inthe region. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the communiqueas spreading disinformation that directly undermines its sovereignty andcalled on Pakistan to refrain from endorsing rhetoric that threatensregional peace and stability. The development raises questions about theimplications for cross-strait relations and international support forTaiwan’s democratic status.
The controversy stems from the detailed reaffirmation in the joint presscommunique, where Pakistan explicitly reiterated its firm commitment to theone China principle. It stated that Taiwan is an inalienable part ofChina’s territory and expressed support for China’s efforts toward nationalreunification while opposing any form of “Taiwan independence.” Thisposition aligns with Pakistan’s longstanding foreign policy, reinforcedthrough repeated bilateral engagements with China. The dialogue, markingthe first major foreign ministerial visit to Beijing in 2026, alsocelebrated the upcoming 75th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomaticrelations, underscoring the depth of their all-weather strategicpartnership. Observers note that such affirmations have become routine inChina-Pakistan statements, yet this instance prompted a swift and pointedresponse from Taipei.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that neither Taiwan norChina is subordinate to the other, highlighting that the Chinese CommunistParty has never governed Taiwan. The ministry reiterated that Taiwan’ssovereignty belongs exclusively to its people, who alone possess the rightto determine the nation’s future through democratic processes. This stancereflects Taiwan’s consistent position amid increasing Chinese military anddiplomatic pressure in recent years. The condemnation accuses Beijing ofpersisting with disinformation campaigns aimed at isolating Taiwaninternationally. By urging Pakistan to respect factual realities, Taiwanseeks to prevent further erosion of its international space and to maintainstability across the Taiwan Strait, a critical artery for global trade.
The timing of the communique adds layers of complexity to the issue. Heldshortly after Pakistan’s notable role in the United Nations SecurityCouncil and ahead of its rotating presidency of the Shanghai CooperationOrganization in 2026-2027, the dialogue reinforced mutual support on coreinterests. China expressed backing for Pakistan’s sovereignty andanti-terrorism efforts, while Pakistan extended support on mattersconcerning Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. Thesereciprocal commitments illustrate the strategic calculus driving therelationship, where economic ties through initiatives like theChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor intertwine with geopolitical alignments.For Taiwan, such declarations represent yet another instance of diplomaticmarginalization facilitated by China’s influence over allied nations.
Taiwan’s response underscores its resolve to defend democratic values andfreedom in the face of authoritarian pressures. The ministry pledgedcontinued cooperation with international partners to uphold peace andstability in the Indo-Pacific region. This incident occurs against abackdrop of heightened cross-strait tensions, including military activitiesnear Taiwan and efforts by Beijing to limit Taiwan’s participation inglobal forums. By publicly challenging the joint statement, Taiwan aims torally support from democratic allies and counter narratives that portray itas a mere territorial dispute rather than a matter of self-determinationfor 23 million people. The ministry’s call for Pakistan to avoiddisregarding facts signals a broader appeal to the international communityto resist coercive diplomacy.
This diplomatic exchange highlights the broader geopolitical dynamicsshaping Asia in 2026. Pakistan’s adherence to the one China policy servesits strategic interests, particularly in securing Chinese investment andsupport amid regional challenges. Conversely, Taiwan views such statementsas direct threats to its existence as a vibrant democracy. The event mayprompt renewed discussions on how nations balance relations with majorpowers while respecting self-determination principles. As commemorativeactivities for China-Pakistan ties unfold throughout the year, the episodeserves as a reminder of the enduring sensitivities surrounding Taiwan’sstatus and the potential for statements to escalate tensions in an alreadyvolatile region.
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Source: https://en.mofa.gov.tw/
Tags: Taiwan, Pakistan, China, One China Principle, Wang Yi
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