The Taiwan issue is the most sensitive in Sino-US relations. Three joint communiques between 1972-1982 established the One-China policy and framework for relations. The US Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 to continue commercial ties with Taiwan and defend it if China uses force. However, Taiwan's democratization and identity have fueled debate over whether the One-China policy still applies. Maintaining cross-strait peace and stability amid changing dynamics is challenging both China and the US.

1. TAIWAN ISSUE &TAIWAN ISSUE &
SINO-USSINO-US
RELATIONSRELATIONS
THORN IN SINO-US TIESTHORN IN SINO-US TIES

2. China-US Policy onChina-US Policy on
TaiwanTaiwan
Taiwan issue is the most sensitive issue between China and US, and the
U.S.-Taiwan defense relationship is probably the most controversial aspect
of the relationship between US and China (PRC).
Three Sino-U.S. communiques guiding China and the U.S.’ policies in
dealing with the Taiwan problem:
1. the Feb.1972 Shanghai Communique.
2. the 1978 Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.
3. the August 17, 1982 Joint Communique.

3. The U.S. Congress enacted the Taiwan
Relations Act in 1979 to continue commercial,
cultural, and other relations between the
people of the U.S. and the people on Taiwan,
and to make commitment of defend Taiwan if
China uses force to achieve reunification.

4. The three Sino-U.S. Communiques and the TRA provide a
framework for the U.S. in dealing with the dynamic ambiguities
that exist across the Taiwan Strait.
In 1972, as the Shanghai Communique states, one ambiguity
was that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain
that there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China.
Now, 30 years later, particularly Taiwan’s democratization and
Taiwanese cultural identity fuel a growing debate in the United
States.

5. One issue is whether the established “One-
China” framework promulgated in the three
communiques and the TRA is sufficient to
maintain cross-strait peace, prosperity, and
stability-or whether past frameworks and
ambiguities must be redefined in the face of
current and future challenges.

6. Another issue is whether ambiguities inherent within, and integral to,
the frameworks provided by these past agreements and
understandings now contribute to cross-strait stability or instability.
The Taiwan Strait is one of the most dangerous military flashpoints in the world, and perhapsThe Taiwan Strait is one of the most dangerous military flashpoints in the world, and perhaps
the most complex and challenging future foreign and defense policy issue facing the Unitedthe most complex and challenging future foreign and defense policy issue facing the United
States in the Asia-Pacific region.States in the Asia-Pacific region.

7. Jiang Zemin's Eight-point Proposal
in 1995
1. Adhering to the principle of one China is the basis and prerequisite for peaceful reunification.
2. We do not have objections to the development of nongovernmental economic and cultural ties between
Taiwan and other countries.
3. It has been our consistent stand to hold negotiations with Taiwan authorities on the peaceful reunification of
the motherland.
4. We shall try our best to achieve the peaceful reunification of China since Chinese should not fight Chinese.
5. Challenged with world economic development in the 21st century, we shall spare no effect to develop
economic exchange and cooperation between the two sides separated by the Taiwan Straits so that both sides
enjoy a flourishing economy and the whole Chinese nation benefits.
6. The splendid culture of 5,000 years created by the sons and daughters of all ethnic groups of China has
become ties keeping the entire Chinese people close at heart and constitutes an important basis for the
peaceful reunification of the motherland. People on both sides should jointly inherit and carry forward the fine
traditions of the culture.
7. The 21 million Taiwan people, whether born there or in other provinces, are Chinese and our own flesh and
blood.
8. We welcome leaders of Taiwan to visit the mainland in their proper status.

8. “Wang-Koo Talk” in Singapore in April
1993
 In April 1993, Wang and Koo held in
Singapore the first ever high-level, non-
governmental talks between Taiwan and the
mainland.
 The talks were known as the Wang-Koo
meeting.
 In 1998 they held the second talks in
Shanghai.

9. President Clinton’s Three No’s
Principles on Taiwan Issue
During his visit in Shanghai in June 1998, U.S.
President Clinton reaffirmed U.S. adherence to the
"Three No's" principles on Taiwan.
The United States does not support independence
for Taiwan, or "one China, one Taiwan," or "two
Chinas," or its membership in any international
bodies whose members are sovereign states.

10. “The One-China Principle and the
Taiwan Issue” White Paper in Feb. 2000
 The Taiwan question is the most crucial and most sensitive issue in
the relations between China and the United States.
 The three Sino-US joint communiques are the basis for the healthy
and steady development of relations between the two countries. For
over 20 years, the United States has promised to adhere to a One-
China Policy, which has brought to itself benefits such as the
establishment of diplomatic relations with China, the development of
Sino-US relations and the relative stability of the Taiwan situation.
 Regrettably, the United States has repeatedly contravened its solemn
understandings with China made in the August 17 Communique and
continued its sale of advanced arms and military equipment to Taiwan.

11. The anti-secession law in
2005
China has said the law is by no means a so-called "law on the use
of force against Taiwan" or a so-called "war mobilization order."
China would only use "non-peaceful means" to stop Taiwan's
secession should all efforts for a peaceful reunification prove futile.
NPC deputies applaud when the National People's Congress adopted
the Anti-Secession Law 2,896 to nil in Beijing

12. Hu Jintao (R), General Secretary of the Communist Party of China
Central Committee, shakes hands with Kuomintang (KMT)
Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing,
capital of China, on May 28, 2008. Hu Jintao met with Wu Poh-
hsiung and all the members of the visiting KMT group.

13. REFERENCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of
_the_Republic_of_China
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_s
tatus_of_Taiwan

14. THANKTHANK
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