China releases new edition of cadre handbook on Taiwan question

The launch event of the 2024 edition of the cadre handbook on the Taiwan question, which is compiled by Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, was held in Beijing on Tuesday.

The latest edition of the handbook introduces the basic situation of Taiwan region, systematically reviews the central government's policies on Taiwan island, and summarizes the historical evolution of cross-Strait relations. This update, the second revision since the handbook's initial publication in 1998, dedicated a chapter for the first time to elaborate on the Party's overall strategy for addressing the Taiwan question in the new era.

It also features newly added content that traces the development of cross-Strait relations since 2014 and outlines major events and important policy initiatives related to Taiwan affairs.

At the launch event, Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stressed that China's determination to resolve the Taiwan question and realize national reunification is rock-firm and unshakable.

He stated that no individual or force would be allowed to separate Taiwan from China. If Taiwan separatist forces dare to cross the red line, decisive measures will have to be taken. He affirmed that the great cause of national reunification must and will be accomplished.

China releases new edition of cadre handbook on Taiwan question

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday that Seoul firmly adheres to the one-China principle, in comments made ahead of his upcoming state visit to China.

The remarks were made in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). The visit is scheduled for Jan 4–7.

"The consensus reached between governments of the Republic of Korea and China when diplomatic relations were established continues to be the fundamental principle governing our relations, and its effectiveness remains steadfast. I want to clearly state that the ROK has always adhered to the one-China principle. Maintaining peace and stability in regional matters, including in Northeast Asia and concerning the Taiwan issue, holds significant importance to us," said Lee.

"The foundational relationship between the ROK and China was established on a very principled and fundamental basis from the beginning. It is clear that the ROK government has always adhered to this position and has never wavered from it. I believe that the sound development of ROK-China relations depends on both sides fully respecting each other's core interests and being mutually tolerant of each other's positions. In this context, we will, as always, uphold the one-China principle as the Taiwan issue is China's most fundamental concern," he said.

ROK president reiterates firm adherence to one-China principle