Cui Tiankai insists on ‘one China framework’ and ‘anything else can be negotiated’
This image was taken in 2016 of Cui Tiankai. (Photo courtesy of CNA)
“One China Framework” for Reunification
Cui Tiankai, former Chinese Ambassador to the US, stated in an interview with the South China Morning Post that Taiwan is a “life and death” issue for China (Nov. 20). After eight years as China’s top ambassador in Washington, Cui insisted his country won’t compromise on Taiwan. One way or another, China will reunite. Naturally, we favor peaceful reunification, Cui remarked. Only alterations to the “one China framework.” would cause conflict with Taiwan, Cui stated. “No need for force as long as nobody is trying to challenge the ‘one China’ principle,” he stated.
It is possible to negotiate everything else, according to Cui, provided that the framework is in place. If the premise of ‘one China’ is undermined or questioned, however, the probability of war will significantly increase. Cui said that armament sales and top-level US legislator visits to Taiwan violate the “one China framework.” Cui went on to say that is why they are warning US leaders to halt. The United States has pledged Taiwan a defense through the Taiwan Relations Act. Following a four-hour discussion between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping () at the APEC conference in San Francisco, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced continued military sales to Taiwan on Nov. 16.
Cui said such encounters are “always important.” He added the U.S. and China should cooperate on “mutual respect, and aim to coexist peacefully.” Cui stated this understanding of cooperation is more important than specific areas of cooperation.
