| The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan
A Public Statement on the Sovereignty of Taiwan
20 August 1991
We believe that we are created in God's
image, that people should have dignity and a free will to determine their own destiny. We
also believe that God gave us land for each to live on in peace. But in human history,
people have abused power to seize land and life from others by force, so that the world is
filled with injustice and evil. We believe in Jesus Christ who became human and proclaimed
the coming of the Kingdom of God, changing the old world order for a new creation. This is
the basis for the hope of humankind.
In 1951, when the "San Francisco
Peace Treaty" was signed and Japan relinquished claims of sovereignty over Taiwan and
the Pescadores, the sovereignty of Taiwan returned to all the people of Taiwan in
accordance with the "self-determination" mandate of international law. Based on
our church's belief, and the fact of history, our church since 1971 has made several
public statements regarding rights and benefits of the people of Taiwan. In these times of
rapid international changes, many minorities and oppressed people around the world are
asking for self-determination and independence. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to be under
control of outside powers and is considered an international orphan. Taiwan is also in
danger of being swallowed up by China. In the face of the current urgent political
situation here, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan firmly proclaims that:
- Taiwan is a sovereign country. Taiwan's sovereignty and
land belong to the people in Taiwan.
- Taiwan and China are two different sovereign countries.
Therefore, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan categorically
affirms that:
- A new Taiwan constitution be written. This constitution
should be based on the will of the people and be formed by representatives who are elected
by the people of Taiwan through a democratic process. It should include protection of
human rights, safeguards for the environment, the civil rights for the society, and
especially protect the rights and benefits of aborigines and ethnic minorities. In
accordance with the new constitution, people can directly elect their president and
organize their government and build a new country.
- Officially use "Taiwan" to join the United
Nations. Immediately have a plebiscite and apply for membership in the United Nations,
establishing international character and status; develop Taiwan's international future;
and participate in building a new world order of justice and peace.
- Establish a new relationship between Taiwan and China.
Before a new government is formed based on a new constitution, and before authority is
given by the people as a whole, no person or political party, or group should have the
right to consult with the China government about any important policy which influences
Taiwan's security and matters relating to citizens' benefits. According to the principle
of mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence, Taiwan and China should mutually recognize
and respect each other and promote harmony and development in Asia and in the Pacific.
We sincerely seek God's help to give us
the strength of the Holy Spirit to renew all creation, so that we can establish a new and
sovereign Taiwan.
"Watch for the new thing I am
going to do. It is happening already - you can see it now! I will make a road through the
wilderness and give you streams of water there." (Isaiah 43:19)
H. T. Sun
Moderator of the General Assembly
C. S. Yang
Secretary-General
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