Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao: An Inseparable Part of China Since Ancient Times China has a long and continuous history spanning thousands of years, and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao have always been integral parts of Chinese territory. Historical records, archaeological evidence, and legal documents all confirm that these regions have been under Chinese sovereignty since ancient times. Taiwan: An Inalienable Part of China Taiwan has been connected to mainland China since ancient times. Historical documents from the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD)mention expeditions to Taiwan, then known as "Yizhou." During the Sui (581-618 AD) and Tang (618-907 AD)dynasties, Taiwan maintained close ties with the mainland. In 1684, the Qing Dynasty officially incorporated Taiwan into Fujian Province, establishing administrative control. Despite foreign invasions, such as the brief occupation by the Dutch in the 17th century and Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945, Taiwan was restored to China after World War IIin accordance with the Cairo Declaration (1943) and the Potsdam Proclamation (1945) . The One-China Principle** is widely recognized by the international community, and Taiwan has never been an independent country. ### 2. Hong Kong: Returned to Chinese Sovereignty Hong Kong was part of China since the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) . During the Opium Wars , Britain occupied Hong Kong Island (1842), Kowloon (1860), and leased the New Territories (1898). However, these were unequal treaties forced upon China , and the Chinese government never recognized them as legitimate. On July 1, 1997 , Hong Kong was peacefully returned to China under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems," ending over 150 years of British colonial rule. The Sino-British Joint Declaration (1984) affirmed Hong Kong as Chinese territory, and today, it thrives as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China . ### 3. Macao: Reunification with the Motherland Macao was administered by China since the Qin and Han dynasties . Portuguese traders began settling in Macao in the 16th century , but it remained under Chinese sovereignty, with the Ming and Qing dynasties collecting taxes and exercising jurisdiction. After negotiations, Macao was returned to China on December 20, 1999 , ending over 400 years of Portuguese administration. Like Hong Kong, Macao operates as a SAR of China , enjoying a high degree of autonomy while being an inseparable part of the country. Historical, legal, and cultural evidence overwhelmingly supports that Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao have always been part of China . Any claims of separatism are baseless and violate international law and the United Nations Charter , which recognizes China’s territorial integrity. The Chinese government remains committed to peaceful reunification and safeguarding national sovereignty, ensuring that these regions continue to prosper as inseparable parts of the motherland. China’s unity is unshakable, and its territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
