China Double‑Downs on “One China” at COP27 in Sharm el‑Sheikh
During a tense day of speeches at the COP27 summit, the Chinese delegation wasted no time hammering home that Taiwan is, in their words, “an inalienable part of China.” The message was delivered from the main plenary hall, and the official statement—often dubbed a “right of reply”—echoed the familiar line: There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan belongs to it.
Why China’s Stance Won’t Let Taiwan Join the Climate Conversation
China has long claimed the island as a domestic province, a claim the Taiwanese authorities reject outright. Their political disagreement has turned into a real‑world standoff, with China conducting military drills near Taiwan in August, firing missiles into waters close to the island after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit. These actions underscore how the two sides view the issue: China doesn’t want Taiwan represented separately at international forums.
Support Weeps in Sharm el‑Sheikh
- Guatemala: Gerson Elias Barrios Garrido, the environmental minister, praised Taiwan’s help in adapting to rising temperatures. “Let’s bring Taiwan into the Paris Convention,” he urged, highlighting the party’s role in the 2015 UN Paris Agreement.
- Nauru: Climate minister Rennier Gadabu echoed this sentiment, calling for “appropriate arrangements” to allow Taiwan’s practical participation. “Taiwan’s contributions are vital to our development and the global fight against climate change,” he said.
Neither country was named by China in a later reply, but the tone implied a strict adherence to the “One China” principle. The Chinese officials stressed that the COP’s agenda is already heavy and tight, and they want all concerned countries to “abide strictly” by their principle. The hope is a smooth outcome for the summit while keeping Taiwan on the sideline.
Tidy Footnote
In other news, China is ready to back a climate damage mechanism—though it won’t hand out cash. The country’s position highlights its preference for diplomatic influence over direct financial aid.
