China and UK joint communiqué concerning upgraded diplomatic relations 1972

China and UK joint communiqué concerning upgraded diplomatic relations 1972 (1972)

The following is the text of the "Communiqué of the Governments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of the People's Republic of China on an exchange of Ambassadors". It was signed on March 13, 1972 in Beijing and related to the upgrading of their diplomatic relations. (Source:The Times’ edition of 14 March 1972, reporting on the proceedings of the House of Commons the previous day where the communiqué was discussed.)

505757China and UK joint communiqué concerning upgraded diplomatic relations 19721972

Both confirming the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs and equality and mutual benefit, the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the United Kingdom have decided to raise the level of their respective diplomatic representatives in each other's capitals from charges d'affaires to ambassadors as from March 13, 1972.

The Government of the United Kingdom, acknowledging the position of the Chinese Government that Taiwan is a province of the People's Republic of China, have decided to remove their official representation in Taiwan on March 13, 1972.

The Government of the United Kingdom recognize the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China.

The Government of the People's Republic of China appreciates the above stand of the Government of the United Kingdom.