There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is a well-established international consensus and a universally recognised basic norm governing international relations. The commitment to and support for the one-China principle form the political foundation upon which China has established and developed bilateral relations with 183 countries, including New Zealand.

Taiwan’s restoration to China was a victorious outcome of the Second World War and forms an integral part of the post-war international order. The article by Jonathan Ayling (29 January), however, is permeated with Cold War thinking and ideological bias. In disregard of historical facts and international consensus, it publicly lends support to separatist rhetoric targeting China and goes so far as to advocate interference in China’s internal affairs. Such views openly challenge the one-China principle, run counter to the prevailing consensus of the international community, and are inconsistent with New Zealand’s own stated policy and commitments on the one-China issue, which clearly is not in the interest of New Zealand.

This is not a matter of freedom of expression, but a fundamental question of principle and a clear issue of right and wrong. It concerns the integrity of the basic norms governing international relations and the political foundation of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand.

It is disappointing that The New Zealand Herald chose to publish an article that facilitates rhetoric and activities advocating “Taiwan independence”. It is hoped that The New Zealand Herald will act as a responsible media outlet, rather than mislead the public or do harm to others without benefiting itself.