China upholds the One-China Policy in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. Amid growing global debate on the Taiwan question, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian has reaffirmed the enduring relevance of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, emphasising its legal authority and historical legitimacy.

Ambassador Chen was speaking to journalists on Wednesday, May 14, on the theme “United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 is Unshakable, and the One-China Principle Must Be Upheld.”

She said the resolution conclusively settled the question of China’s representation in the UN—politically, legally, and procedurally.

“The one-China principle is its political foundation, confirming that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate representative of all China, including Taiwan,” she said.

She noted that since the adoption of Resolution 2758, the UN has consistently referred to Taiwan as “Taiwan, Province of China.”

The envoy added that the UN Office of Legal Affairs has issued several legal opinions affirming that the “authorities in Taipei” do not hold any form of government status within the UN system.

Despite this international consensus, the Ambassador expressed concern over what she termed as “deliberate distortions” of the resolution’s meaning, particularly by certain political figures in the United States who claim Taiwan’s status remains unresolved or advocate for its participation in the UN system.

“This not only challenges China’s sovereignty but also undermines the authority of the UN and the post-World War II international order,” she said.

Ambassador Chen traced the historical basis for the one-China policy, citing key moments such as the 1943 Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and Japan’s 1945 surrender.

These agreements, she said, collectively reaffirmed that Taiwan—seized by Japan—was to be returned to China.

“Taiwan has never been a sovereign state—neither in the past, the present, nor will it be in the future,” she stressed, referencing historical unity across the Taiwan Strait, shared Han ancestry, and common linguistic and cultural ties.

She also paid tribute to Tanzania’s historic support for China’s return to the United Nations.

“Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, then Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the UN, was instrumental in drafting and finalising Resolution 2758,” she stated.

The envoy noted that this year marks two significant milestones in China-Tanzania relations: the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s return to China and the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara)-an enduring symbol of solidarity between the two nations.

“In the 1960s and 70s, when China faced many challenges, we tightened our belts to help build the Uhuru Railway because we understood its importance to Tanzania, Zambia, and the African liberation movement,” said Ms Chen.

She reiterated China’s continued commitment to strengthening ties with Tanzania, grounded in mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared development.

“We will never forget Tanzania’s historic support on the Taiwan question. As we mark 60 years of diplomatic ties and 50 years of the Tazara Railway, we look forward to building an even stronger China-Tanzania community with a shared future,” she said.