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The Taiwan issue is China’s internal affair, and no external interference will be tolerated. The historical task of complete reunification must and will be fulfilled.

Xi Jinping

Speech marking the 110th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution, October 2021 · Checked on 1 March 2026
The Taiwan issue is China’s internal affair, and no external interference will be tolerated. The historical task of complete reunification must and will be fulfilled.

Analysis

The statement accurately represents the Chinese government’s official stance on Taiwan, rooted in the **One-China Principle** and historical claims dating to the Chinese Civil War (1927–1949). However, the claim is **partially true** because Taiwan operates as a *de facto* independent entity with its own government, military, and democratic elections since 1996, and its political status remains **internationally contested**. The assertion that 'no external interference will be tolerated' is a political declaration, not a legal fact, as foreign engagement with Taiwan (e.g., U.S. arms sales) continues despite Beijing’s objections. The 'historical task of reunification' is a subjective goal, not an inevitable outcome.

Background

The 1911 Revolution overthrew the Qing Dynasty, leading to the Republic of China (ROC), which retreated to Taiwan in 1949 after losing the civil war to the Communist Party (PRC). Since then, the PRC has claimed Taiwan as a 'breakway province,' while Taiwan’s government (still formally the ROC) has never declared independence. The **Taiwan Relations Act (1979, U.S.)** and **PRC’s Anti-Secession Law (2005)** frame the cross-strait standoff, with most countries officially recognizing the One-China policy but maintaining unofficial ties with Taipei.

Verdict summary

Xi Jinping’s claim that Taiwan is China’s 'internal affair' reflects Beijing’s longstanding position but ignores Taiwan’s *de facto* autonomy and international disputes over its status.

Sources consulted

— Xinhua News Agency. (2021, October 9). *Full text of Xi Jinping’s speech at meeting marking 110th anniversary of 1911 Revolution*. [http://www.xinhuanet.com](http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-10/09/c_1310206816.htm)
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC. (n.d.). *The One-China Principle and the Taiwan Issue*. [https://www.fmprc.gov.cn](https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/ziliao_665539/3602_665543/200009/t20000927_680434.html)
— U.S. Department of State. (2023). *U.S. Relations with Taiwan*. [https://www.state.gov](https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-taiwan/)
— Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2023). *Taiwan’s International Status*. [https://www.mofa.gov.tw](https://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/News_Content.aspx?n=95AD9995E0C3A4A8&sms=6C4484E61B3323C1&s=E5A1A1D0F13A8D71)
— BBC News. (2023, April 5). *China-Taiwan tensions: How serious is the threat of war?* [https://www.bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-59599976)