Chinese Ambassador to North Macedonia Jiang Xiaoyan Publishes Article Titled “Protecting Sovereignty: The Taiwan Red Line”

In an article published by Nova Makedonija on 10 January, H.E. Mme. Ambassador Jiang Xiaoyan elaborated on China's positions on the Taiwan question. The full text is as follows:

Recent developments in Venezuela have shaken not only global public opinion but also the very foundations of the international order established under the United Nations Charter. What is at stake is the fundamental principle of sovereignty of every UN member state, large or small alike. Moreover, the United States has violated the basic prohibition on the use of force against a sovereign country that poses no threat whatsoever to U.S. national security. Every country in the world should therefore ask itself a serious question: how many more examples of disregard for international law and the norms governing international relations will the world witness as a result of the actions of this superpower?

For some time now, the Chinese government has also been warning of another potential flashpoint, one that could emerge directly from the continuation of irresponsible and unlawful U.S. policies. For the People's Republic of China, the issue of sovereignty is inseparably linked to Taiwan. Yet provocations persist. The Macedonian public may not have noticed that the United States has recently carried out the largest-ever sale of highly offensive weapons to China's Taiwan region, with a total value exceeding USD 11 billion. This constitutes a clear violation of the One-China Principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués. In essence, it represents serious interference in China's internal affairs and an act that undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In response to this dangerous provocation, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acting in accordance with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions, has decided to adopt countermeasures targeting relevant U.S. military-related companies and senior executives.

In addition, the Chinese People's Liberation Army conducted joint military exercises titled Justice Mission 2025 in areas across the Taiwan Strait. These drills served as a clear warning to separatist forces led by Lai Ching-te, who advocates so-called "Taiwan independence" through the militarization of the island. Attempts to turn Taiwan into a heavily armed outpost risk transforming it into a "powder keg" and an "arms depot", exposing it to greater danger. The profits from such arms deals flow to Washington, while the risks are borne by the people of Taiwan.

Lai Ching-te has publicly called for increasing defense spending to 5 percent of the region's GDP before 2030. Of these funds, NT$1.25 trillion (approximately USD 40 billion) is earmarked for arms purchases from the United States over the next eight years. These announcements have understandably alarmed citizens, who quickly began calculating what such expenditures mean in practical terms. Across social media, residents of Taiwan have raised pressing questions: how many hospitals could be built with USD 11 billion? How many kilometers of high-speed rail could be financed? How many children could benefit from nutritious school meals? How much pressure will this place on pensions, elderly care, and education budgets? How much of people's hard-earned money will be used as bargaining chips for political agendas and personal interests?

The questions are reasonable and rooted in common sense: under such circumstances, can people in Taiwan truly live and work in peace and security? Can regional peace and development be achieved through militarization and "war games" played with their lives and future?

It is therefore not surprising that Lai Ching-te has lost significant public support, having chosen to disregard public opinion in favor of external interests. Recently, the region's legislative body approved a motion to initiate impeachment proceedings against him, backed by a public petition launched by residents of Taiwan. The number of online signatories has exceeded eight million, overwhelming the website and causing it to crash repeatedly.

Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China since ancient times. Its return to China was a major outcome of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. A series of international documents-including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation-confirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 definitively resolved the issue of China's representation in the UN, including Taiwan. Its authority allows no challenge or ambiguity. This resolution provides the legal and political foundation for China's legitimate and necessary actions to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity.

The so-called "Taiwan question" arose from historical circumstances and periods of weakness, but it is being addressed naturally through the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. No matter how many advanced weapons are sold to the current authorities in Taipei, the pursuit of "Taiwan independence" is doomed to fail. No amount of political maneuvering or external backing can alter the post-World War II international order or change the fundamental fact that people on both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China. External interference and sabotage will not stop China from achieving reunification, nor can they overturn the prevailing international consensus on the One-China Principle.

The principle of sovereignty is a cornerstone of the UN Charter and a basic norm governing international relations. It is essential to global peace and justice and must therefore be firmly upheld. The Taiwan issue lies at the very heart of China's core interests and constitutes the first and most important red line that must not be crossed. Advocating "Taiwan independence" means attempting to divide the country; supporting it constitutes interference in China's internal affairs; and tolerating it undermines peace and stability not only across the Taiwan Strait but far beyond it. The Chinese government and people are firmly determined to defend their national sovereignty and fundamental interests. No country or force should ever underestimate this resolve, determination, and capacity.

We believe that the government of North Macedonia will honor its commitments and continue to adhere firmly to the One-China Principle, thereby safeguarding the political foundation of the friendly bilateral relations between our two countries. We hope that the Macedonian authorities will uphold justice and stand on the right side of history-on the side of international fairness, peace, and cooperation. Ultimately, this is the side of human progress and a shared future for all.