Beijing (Parliament Politics Magazine) – China’s ambassador to the UK, Zheng Zeguang, warns Britain to respect China’s claim on Taiwan, saying ignoring the One-China principle risks diplomatic ties.
As reported by The Telegraph, China’s ambassador to the UK has stated that Britain must support China’s claim over Taiwan or face potential diplomatic consequences.
What did Zheng Zeguang say about Taiwan and UK-China ties?
Zheng Zeguang said the “key to ensuring sound UK-China relations” depends on Britain recognizing that “Taiwan has never been a country” and both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to China.
His remarks come amid rising tensions between London and Beijing over a Chinese spy case, and calls to halt the “super-embassy” in the capital over fears it could access critical data cables.
Mr Zheng said Britain made an “unequivocal commitment” to recognize China’s claim over Taiwan when it established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1972.
He said,
“This history must not be forgotten.”
The UK government continues to acknowledge China’s claim on Taiwan without formally endorsing it, following a policy of strategic ambiguity.
The Chinese ambassador referred to the 1972 joint communique, interpreting Britain’s ambiguous acknowledgment as acceptance of China’s claim over Taiwan, a typical Beijing diplomatic stance.
Mr Zheng referred to two sections of the 1972 communique in which Britain “acknowledges the position of the Chinese government that Taiwan is a province” and “recognises” the Chinese Communist Party as China’s “sole legal government.”
He said,
“It was only after the UK made this unequivocal commitment that formal diplomatic relations were established between China and the UK. This history must not be forgotten.”
In his remarks, Mr Zheng called for a “peaceful reunification” but warned that China is ready to take all necessary measures to regain control of Taiwan.
He said,
“We hope that the UK government will honour the solemn commitments it made in 1972… and handle Taiwan-related issues prudently and properly in line with the One-China principle.”
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces increased scrutiny as the Chinese ambassador’s comments arrive amid accusations that the Prime Minister is softening toward Beijing.
The government has come under pressure over allegations it collapsed the espionage case against British men Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry to avoid upsetting Beijing.
Mr Zheng condemned the Taiwanese government, led by the centre-left, nationalist Democratic Progressive Party.
He said,
“The greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait comes from separatist activities for ‘Taiwan Independence’ and the connivance and support by external forces.”
The Chinese ambassador said Taiwan is not a UN member, and UN Resolution 2578, which recognizes the PRC as China’s sole legitimate representative, bars Taiwan from interacting with the UN and other international bodies.
Britain opposes this claim, arguing that Taiwan must be allowed to engage in global forums, whether as a full member, guest, or observer.
What did Tom Tugendhat say about China’s claims on Taiwan?
Responding to China’s remarks, Tom Tugendhat, the former UK security minister, said,
“Since 1972, the UK has acknowledged the PRC’s strong views on Taiwan. It is a historical fact that we have never recognised or supported these claims, including absolute sovereignty to the island.”
He stated,
“Beijing’s attempts to distort international law, including claims that UNGA Resolution 2758 confers dominion over Taiwan, should be resisted. These are rightly matters for the Taiwanese people to determine. Using economic coercion to force others to submit does not make it legal.”
Mr Tugendhat added,
“More broadly, the strategic importance of Taiwan is tragically underappreciated. They’re a democracy, and an important partner in many fields – not least the production of one of the most valuable commodities on earth.”
What did the UK say about its position on Taiwan?
A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated,
“The UK’s long-standing position on Taiwan has not changed.”
They added,
“We consider the Taiwan issue one to be settled peacefully by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through dialogue, and not through any unilateral attempts to change the status quo.”
What did Emily Thornberry say about UK-Taiwan relations?
Emily Thornberry, Labour MP and Foreign Affairs committee chair, said Britain’s stance on Taiwan remains unchanged, and ties with its government will continue.
She added,
“Our relationship with China remains robust, based on strong trade and people-to-people links. While the UK has no official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, we have a strong, unofficial relationship.”
What did Alicia Kearns say about China’s ambassador and Labour?
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who once worked with Christopher Cash, said,
“The Chinese ambassador shows a wilful contempt towards the UK’s long-standing position on Taiwan, and his brazen threats demonstrate just how much Labour’s obsequious posture has emboldened Beijing.”
She added,
“Unfortunately, the Labour Government has demonstrated an abject and spineless failure to take the ambassador to task over bounties and kidnap threats against Hong Kongers, let alone their assault on Parliament.”
What is the case of Chinese spies?
The case involved two British men, Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry, an academic. They were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024, but they denied the charges against them.
They were accused of gathering and sharing politically sensitive information from the UK Parliament with an alleged Chinese intelligence agent known as “Alex” between December 2021 and February 2023.
In September 2024, the Crown Prosecution Service unexpectedly dropped the charges. The collapse was due to a lack of evidence from the government.
